Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XXVI, Arms Control and Nonproliferation

315. Paper Prepared by the Soviet Government¹

October 12, 1979

As was agreed during the meeting between A.A. Gromyko and Secretary Vance in New York September 27² concerning a bilateral exchange of views in Washington on the status of arms control and disarmament negotiations, we would like to receive the views of the American side on how to move forward on the following problems.

[Omitted here is discussion unrelated conventional arms transfers.]

5. Limiting the Sale and Transfer of Conventional Weapons.

The sides have agreed on the basic directions of the negotiations, and on some questions one can even detect a convergence of approaches. However, during the last round the USA sharply changed

course in these talks. Without explanation, the US declined to hold the previously agreed meeting of heads of delegation on September 25.³

We would appreciate clarification by the American side of its motives for its recent conduct with respect to the negotiations, which were begun at the initiative of the US, as well as its views regarding further prospects for these negotiations.

[Omitted here is discussion unrelated conventional arms transfers.]

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, General Odom File, Box 36, PD–50 [Arms Control Negotiations], Follow-Up Working File: 9–10/79. No classification markings. A typed notation at the top of the paper reads “Non-Paper 10/12/79 [US translation].” A handwritten notation above this reads “NODIS.”
2. Telegram 256735 to Moscow, September 29, reports Gromyko’s and Vance’s discussion of arms control in New York. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, Reel Number N/A)
3. According to telegram 247872 to Moscow, September 21, the Department of State postponed the Bartholomew-Mendelevich meeting because it believed “that it would be inappropriate to have CAT HOD [Head of Delegation] meeting while Cuban question is unresolved.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840142–2418) Reference is to the discovery of the Soviet combat brigade in Cuba.