179. Memorandum From the Department of State Executive Secretary (Read) to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)1
SUBJECT
- Proposed Message on East-West Trade Relations Legislation
In response to your memorandum of January 18, I enclose a proposed Message in support of the East-West Trade Relations Legislation.2 Under Secretary Ball has read and approved this memorandum.
The President should know that Chairman Mills, and Senators Mansfield, Long and Fulbright, with whom the proposal for East-West Trade legislation has been discussed, all support the idea of such legislation, but believe it will meet very serious difficulties in the Congress, particularly because of Soviet military support to North Vietnam. A brief summary of their views is attached.3
These expressions reflect concern that the bill will be regarded by the Congress as providing concessions to the Soviet Union and Eastern [Page 512] European Communist nations. The enclosed draft Message emphasizes that this is not its purpose—rather it is to give the President additional power to negotiate with these nations for concessions the United States wants. The draft also stresses the potential value of the proposed legislation to us as one more measure to help persuade these nations that their best interests lie in developing peaceful relations. The Under Secretary believes it is important that the President discuss the Bill and the Message with the appropriate Members before sending it up in order to reassure them as to its scope and purpose.
The President should also know that Secretary Wirtz and Mr. George Weaver have talked with Mr. Meany of the AFL-CIO about the bill. They have explained it to him and we have made two changes to satisfy concerns he had.
I understand it now seems likely that he will not oppose the bill and that he may even be willing to provide some degree of support for it.