322. Telegram From the Department of State to the Delegation at the Conference of Foreign Ministers, at Geneva1
Tosec 141. For Jackson. Longer range acceptability US Government program for exchange of persons with Soviet Union may depend from point of view US public opinion on development of plan in which US advantage can clearly be seen. Best basis for creating public understanding of program is US insistence on high degree [Page 679] of reciprocity. It would be possible merely continue with program built around invitations to US (most difficult side exchange equation) proposed by Soviets or American organizations. In turn we could demand Soviets admit American group our choosing. However, our propaganda position on such exchanges would be vulnerable and we might force higher level exchanges than US desires.
Part of solution may lie in joint planning with Soviets of exchange programs in specific fields, with each side proposing number and type projects it desires for given year, then negotiating satisfactory balance between requests. In first days exchange program, this would form good basis for public understanding and for seeking open cooperation US organizations and individuals. Statement by Molotov on importance mutually acceptable and profitable exchange program and remarks senior officers Soviet Embassy Washington indicate Soviets may be willing consider at least limited joint planning at this time.
Accordingly Department suggests U.S. experts, in bilateral phase Item III Geneva discussions, sound out Soviet experts on their Government’s willingness arrange pilot project in one field. Best field at present would appear to be medicine, where there are already several Soviet and many U.S. requests arrange exchanges and because of its humanitarian and largely non-sensitive nature. (See upcoming telegram for documentation this point.2) However medicine would be only one of several fields in which projects might be developed jointly with Soviets in first year of program.
In coming year several groups medical field could travel each direction, each group to consist about 5 members drawn from Government and private sources. Another possibility is that program could be built around participation in American medical meetings since appears probable Department would be under pressure admit Soviet doctors for such meetings in any case. Department in conjunction HEW and other interested agencies is engaged in development list priority projects medical field which list could be made available soonest on your request.
Best U.S. delegation could probably hope to accomplish is to get agreement Soviet government to conduct negotiations for development systematic program for coming calendar year in this and several other fields mutual interest. Further negotiations specific projects could follow conference and take place Washington where Department would be able readily consult other government agencies and private groups. Exchange medical publications could also be discussed [Page 680] at some time with additional participation on U.S. side of Office Strategic Information.
HEW has been consulted in this regard.