Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXXIX, European Security

302. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Kissinger and the Soviet Ambassador (Dobrynin)¹

Washington, June 12, 1975, 6:35 p.m.

K: Anatol, I have had our people check. We have been active there, your man should know. It is not only our allies it is the neutrals. We would really like to help bring this to a conclusion. What interests do we have if it is 50 kilometers more or less.

D: As far as the U.S. is concerned, what we discussed with you is acceptable? Unless the Germans, French or British come to our delegation, our channel sounds ridiculous.

K: I will suggest that the head of the delegation inform your delegation.

D: If you suggest that the British and French come to our delegation, Gromyko asked me to tell you the same thing.

K: Don’t report it and we will have to deal with Kovspeloff.

D: It is your position that it is acceptable. I could report to him that your position is agreed upon by [but?] the allies are not.

K: We can’t make a joint initiative on this with you and the allies.

D: As far as you are concerned, you don’t mind if we use it.

K: I would rather they don’t use it. Can you wait till tomorrow morning? I haven’t found Hartman, but I will talk to him. Wait until tomorrow morning.

D: I will wait. Gromyko said that the 21st and 22nd are o.k. with Brezhnev.

K: O.K. Fine. I have seen somewhere that the Finns prefer it a week later.² We are prepared to start the 22nd, we have no reason to change. As far as you and we are concerned, the 22nd is fine.

D: You will call me tomorrow?

K: Yes.

D: I will do nothing.

K: I think it is better. If I send something, I will tell you what I am sending.

D: It is helpful to both of us.

K: You are absolutely right. Our people recommended that we do it that way—I over-ruled them—I was wrong.

D: We should talk.

K: Let’s wait a day.

D: If you confirm your position, our delegation will work separately with them.

K: I think it is an excellent suggestion and I will let you know what we are doing. I will check it before we do it.

D: O.K.

1. Source: Department of State, Electronic Reading Room, Kissinger Transcripts of Telephone Conversations, http://foia.state.gov/documents/kissinger/0000C045.pdf. No classification marking.
2. Telegram 4282 from Geneva, June 9, reported: “Finnish delegation head (Iloniemi) told us June 6 that current Finnish preference for timing of stage III is week of July 28, and that several Western European governments had expressed a similar preference.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files)