Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, National Security Affairs, Volume II, Part 2

600.0012/12–853: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to All Diplomatic Posts (Except Moscow)¹

confidential
niact

Washington, December 8, 1953—4:02 p.m.

225. Address of President before UNGA, Dec. 8, 4:00 p.m. EST being transmitted by Wireless Bulletin² and cabled to missions not serviced by Bulletin. Should be made occasion exceptional effort to assure its importance recognized and intent correctly interpreted. Therefore, in your discretion present copy of speech promptly as possible to Foreign Minister making following points as appropriate:

1. This is further to President’s April 16 ASNE speech wherein he declared U.S. determination to seek peace and “international control of atomic energy to promote its use for peaceful purposes only and to insure prohibition of atomic weapons;” and U.S. “firm faith that God created man to enjoy, not destroy, the fruits of the earth and of their own toil.”

2. Supporting fully UN disarmament commission, and in line with General Assembly resolution on Disarmament of November 18, 1953, United States is instantly prepared to meet privately with other countries as may be “principally involved” to seek an acceptable solution to atomic armament race (“in order that this greatest of destructive forces can be developed into a great constructive force for the benefit of all mankind.”)

3. Atomic sharing concept is product of maturing plans reflecting U.S. determination that mankind shall benefit from this knowledge and reflects U.S. view that such benefits can be shared in foreseeable future.

However, President’s statement not to be construed as an immutable proposal, but rather as basis for consideration and development by interested Governments in private conversations.

4. President’s suggestion is offer to take tangible first step towards international use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes which will strike massive blow against root causes of war and international tension.

5. In case any implication is made that speech largely intended as psychological warfare move, you should point out that text particularly in context April 16 speech makes amply clear U.S. seeking every practicable means toward peaceful settlement international differences and has sincerely invited USSR to join in private conversations as one of principal parties to discuss means of establishing joint pool of fissionable material and of technical skills for betterment of mankind.

6. Obviously, at present stage no reason to believe EDC less essential to defense and security free world. You should discourage any premature stimulation of false optimism regarding immediately realizable substantive disarmament.

7. President’s suggestion does not imply abandonment of U.S. position supporting UN plan for international control of atomic energy unless a better or equally effective plan is developed, but is aimed at breaking international log-jam on disarmament proposals.

You are requested to assist USIS in assuring that speech and relay commentary along lines of foregoing are given widest possible dissemination. Appropriate follow-up should be planned and executed to assure continuing understanding and impact.

Report soonest summary reaction and follow with detailed despatch covering mission handling.

Note: London and Paris: In view of fact speech discussed at Bermuda with British and French doubt necessity special FonOff representation.

Smith

1. Drafted by Phillips and Huyler of P. The same message, with certain modifications, was sent simultaneously to Moscow as telegram 354. The first paragraph of telegram 354 reads: “Address of the President before UNGA, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. EST will be cabled immediately thereafter. In presenting to FonOff (and in discussion with your diplomatic colleagues friendly and unfriendly) you may wish to make following points as appropriate.” A new paragraph 6 in telegram 354 reads: “Stress offer made in speech of ‘private conversations’ making clear to Foreign Minister that this is bona fide.” Also, this telegram’s paragraph dealing with USIS assistance is deleted in telegram 354. (600.0012/12–853)
2. The Wireless Bulletin was a news roundup including texts of official statements, transmitted regularly by the Department of State to many U.S. posts abroad.