22. Telegram 333 from Moscow, July 291
At McCloy’s request, informal session was held with Zorin at FonOff this morning to advise Sovs of instructions as set forth Deptel 295, in order that Zorin would be prepared respond our proposal for recess at scheduled afternoon session. McCloy made clear that although Sov statement of principles did not repeat not give us much encouragement, US wished give situation full consideration in order determine best way reaching understanding and to allow consultation with Allies. Taken together with Pres’s desire for first-hand report on Sochi trip, we had been instructed propose recess to Aug 10 in New York. Expressed regret at tardiness Sov principles proposal, which if introduced earlier, might have allowed resumption negotiations by this time.
Zorin expressed regret at fact it now appeared impossible bring talks to successful conclusion in Moscow where in fact we had only met for one week. Stated our comments re lateness of Sov proposal was self-serving statement, attempting to shift blame for further delay to Sovs. Sovs had gone more than halfway to meet us and could claim that if we had accepted Sov position on scope talks at outset meetings in Wash, we would have made real progress toward agreement. Sovs had tabled flexible document on forum which omitted numbers and names of new states, but US had put no views in writing this subject. However, Sovs cannot repeat not fail take into account legitimate desire of Pres for first-hand report on Khrushchev visit, and since Sovs cannot repeat not negotiate with themselves, they must take US wishes into account. Said would report US proposal and personally believed there would [Facsimile Page 2] be no objection. On personal basis he inquired re reason for Aug 10 date and wondered whether not repeat not better to start again in Sept, which would give both sides more time for breathing spell. If we resumed early Sept, we could reach agreement on forum and basic principles during first week before start of GA and multilateral negotiations could commence before and continue on during Assembly.
McCloy said he knew no repeat no reason for specific date and expected US could be flexible this matter. Suggested brief pro-forma communiqué which might refer to fact that date and place for resumption could be announced later. McCloy said he had not repeat not meant try shift responsibility for present situation on Sovs since initial [Typeset Page 102] misunderstanding of scope talks could have been honest one on both sides. US prepared credit Sov good faith this respect if they will credit ours. US conception was founded on general tenor conversations at UN in March.
McCloy stated he would seek instructions re our agreement to date in early Sept.
- Soviet reaction to recess proposal. Confidential. 2 pp. Department of State, Central Files, 600.0012/7–2961.↩