Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXXII, SALT I, 1969–1972

179. Backchannel Message From the Chief of the Delegation to the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (Smith) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Helsinki, July 16, 1971, 1410Z.

119. Dear Henry:

Congratulations on your constructive use of your spell “under the weather.”²

Recalling your interest in possible conclusion of hot line and accident measures prior to limitations agreement, I suggest consideration of some such move soon to “balance” move re China. Such move might help to avoid possible stiffening of Kremlin attitude re SALT issues.

Both accidents and hot line agreements are probably reachable in several weeks. Accident measures completion would require some, but not major, adjustment our position. Hot line should be fairly easy. In case of positive decision, I believe communicating it to Soviets at early date would help lubricate Soviet review of other SALT matters.

Semenov may raise July 15 announcement with me in our next private conversation. Would appreciate receiving any guidance you deemed appropriate for me for private conversations with Semenov, either to volunteer or in response.³

Warm regards.

Gerry Smith

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 427, Backchannel Files, Backchannel Messages, 1971 SALT. Top Secret; Eyes Only. Passed to San Clemente.
2. Kissinger used the excuse of illness as a cover for his secret visit to Beijing.
3. In backchannel message WH10760, July 20, Kissinger informed Smith that “at the President’s direction in a talk with Dobrynin I told him following your suggestion that we would be prepared to consider a separate accidental war agreement if Moscow was interested. He said he would check and let me know. I will keep you informed.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 427, Backchannel Files, Backchannel Messages, 1971 SALT)