320/11–1051: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
Delga 131. Re Soviet disarmament proposal. Dept will have recd Delga 108, containing draft res introduced by USSR in plenary Nov 81 which inter alia calls upon govts of all states to consider at world conf question of substantial reduction of armed forces and armaments as well as question of practical measures for prohibiting atomic weapon and establishing international control thereof.
GADel staff has been considering how to handle Soviet disarmament conf proposal in relation to tripartite item on armaments control. Tentative suggested approach wld comprise following points, transmitted herewith for Dept’s views:
- (1)
- USSR proposes in effect by-passing of UN on all important subject of armaments control; tripartite initiative wld continue efforts which UN has engaged in over five years through AEC and CCA.
- (2)
- Soviets propose disarmament conf not later than June 1952; actually we have opportunity for “disarmament conf” right now in Paris at sixth GA session where western Big Three have now introduced new armaments control item in Assembly.
- (3)
- US intends to explain substance of its disarmament proposal in comite debates, with view to elaboration of disarmament plan by new UN commission to be established in pursuance of Comite of 12 report.2 Much work remains to be done, and detailed studies following 6th GA can best be carried on by new commission.
- (4)
- Plan for regulation, limitation and balanced reduction of all armaments and all armed forces, when completed and agreed, will of course necessitate multilateral treaty in order to be put into effect. Draft treaty prepared by UN commission cld then be submitted to worldwide conf of govt reps for definitive consideration and conclusion. US therefore in no sense opposes holding of diplomatic conf when necessary groundwork has been accomplished and when concurrently with implementation of armaments control plan major political issues dividing world can be settled. US wants to get the work launched now in this Assembly. We earnestly appeal for cooperation of all UN members, particularly USSR. The sooner the new commission is able to achieve progress, the sooner a conf can be held for conclusion of treaty.
- (5)
- At conf held for conclusion and signature of treaty embodying plan referred to above, representation of countries shld be at least broad enough to include all those whose participation wld be essential for success of control plan. Indeed, universal participation and therefore universal representation at conf might be goal. This wld mean participation of all UN members, of satellite states, and of such important countries as Germany, Japan, and Italy. It would also include Spain, Portugal, Ireland and a number of other non-UN members. In answer to any specific question on China, line cld be that conf must any event include all govts and authorities having substantial military power at their disposition.