51. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Read) to the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow)1
SUBJECT
- US Cooperation with the European Launcher Development Organization
The attached statement concerning US cooperation with the European Launcher Development Organization (Enclosure 1)2 anticipates the need to be in a clear position to encourage the development of ELDO through US cooperation with ELDO’s present and future programs. It is designed to support US objectives with respect to the role of European multinational institutions in space activities while at the same time safeguarding US concerns about the proliferation of nuclear delivery systems and communication satellite technology.
The statement includes a brief background summary, a statement of relevant policy considerations and a proposed US position vis-à-vis ELDO. It has been prepared with the assistance and agreement of an ad hoc committee of the National Aeronautics and Space Council which is considering the several possibilities for expanded international cooperation in space activities.
We feel that this is a matter of urgency in view of the recent debate among members of ELDO as to the efficacy of ELDO’s programs and the measure of their continued support for space vehicle development within Europe on a civil multinational basis.
The Department recommends that the proposed US position contained in this statement be promulgated as a National Security Action Memorandum along the lines indicated in Enclosure 2.3
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Central Files, 1964–66, SP 11 ELDO. Confidential. Drafted by Robert F. Packard (SCI) on July 21.↩
- Not printed; the text is identical to the “US Position” section of Document 50.↩
- Not printed; the revised, final version appears in Document 52.↩
- Walsh signed for Read above Read’s typed signature.↩