Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volumes VII, VIII, IX, Arms Control; National Security Policy; Foreign Economic Policy, Microfiche Supplement

108. Tosec 103 to Geneva, March 21¹

March 21, 1962, 6:23 p.m.

For Secretary from Acting Secretary. Before you leave Geneva, President desires that you and Home attempt get Gromyko on public record as categorically rejecting international verification for nuclear test ban treaty. Would suggest this might be done by referring to previous Tsarapkin statements to effect Soviets will not accept international verification and express hope that Tsarapkin’s position does not reflect official position of Soviet government. You might, in simplest terms, describe key element in US position as being requirement objective international system to verify that ban against testing is being observed. US will not settle for less and will consider any proposal which offers effective international verification.

We note you tentatively planning Thursday speech on nuclear tests. Would suggest you give speech at that time in order allow time Gromyko reaction before you leave.

Ball

1. Instructions to Rusk/Home on getting Gromyko rejection of international verification of test ban treaty on public record. Secret. 1 p. Department of State, Central Files, 700.5611/3–2162.