Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume VII, Arms Control and Disarmament

342. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State⁰

Moscow, July 23, 1963, noon.

277. From Harriman. It is becoming crystal clear that Soviets have as objective as described in Embtel 195¹ attempt to isolate ChiComs. Therefore, they place maximum importance on France’s adherence to test ban treaty. Also they will press all other countries to adhere. They want pressure to appear to come on ChiComs from other countries, particularly the underdeveloped, and therefore insisted on avoiding language in withdrawal clause which would appear as pressure on China directly by them. This primary objective will affect other positions they will take. In addition, atmosphere of relaxing of tensions in Europe will have double purpose of showing value of coexistence policies and avoiding battling on two fronts at same time.

Kohler

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 18-3 USSR (MO). Secret. Received at 8:50 a.m.
1. Document 331.