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

192. Paper, July 9¹

July 9, 1963

POINTS TO BE EXPLORED WITH THE RUSSIANS

1. An indication of the degree of Soviet concern over the Chinese Communist nuclear weapons program.

2. An exchange of estimates concerning the problem of the Chinese Communist ability to detonate a nuclear device.

3. Evidence of the Soviet concern over the ability of the Chinese Communists to use the racial issue to split the International Communist movement, especially in the underdeveloped countries.

4. Indications of the Soviet concern over the economic costs of their advanced weapons program, specifically those involved in the development of anti missile missiles.

5. Indications of the Soviet desire to shift additional resources into the agricultural sector.

6. By discussions of the virgin land program, an exploration of crop yields and deficiencies in the Soviet agricultural program.

7. The Soviet needs for short-term agricultural assistance in such fields as feed grains or chemical fertilizer, as against long range alleviation of the agricultural problem by the development of synthetic fibers, additional fertilizer plants, etc.

8. The Soviet attitude toward their future role in areas close to the Chinese Communist sphere of influence, such as Southeast Asia.

9. The Soviet ability to restrain the North Vietnamese from accelerating their operations in Laos.

10. The Soviet willingness to use the leverage which they obtain by the presence of Prince Souphanouvong’s family in Moscow.

Attachment

POINTS FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE PRESIDENT

1. If a limited three-element test ban is obtainable, should it be signed, or should it be deferred for a summit signature? As a possible alternative, could it be initialed and held for signature later?

2. In discussing other matters, how far should the question of trade be explored?

3. The possibility of civil aviation links may arise. The PanAm New York-Moscow route is currently in abeyance. Can its activation be discussed?

4. During the war we offered to exchange with the Russians order of battle intelligence concerning the Germans. Could we make a similar suggestion with respect to nuclear and other advanced weapons intelligence concerning the Chinese?

5. Assuming that the Soviets are concerned by the cost factor in their advanced technology, would there be any value in offering US-USSR cooperation in outer space and specifically on the moon flight? The objective would be to reduce the expenditures on both sides.

1. “Points to be Explored with the Russians.” Attached is a list of points for discussion with the President. Secret. 2 pp. Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Harriman Papers, Test Ban Background III.