222. Telegram From Secretary of State Kissinger to the Mission in Geneva1
Secto 35/4588. For Sherer from Sonnenfeldt and Hartman. Subject: Finnish invitation to Stage III in July. Ref: A) Geneva 4072,2 B) State 137770 (Tosec 64) Notal.3
On assumption Allies are aware of Finnish proposal in Geneva 4072, in consultation with Allied colleagues prior to coordinating committee meeting June 27, or thereafter as appropriate, you should inform them that you believe Allies should state in response to Finnish proposal that, providing Stage II work could be completed by July 20, Allies would in principle not object to beginning Stage III then; however, this does not appear to be a realistic option in light of progress to date in Stage II. You should also tell Allied reps that you would be prepared to support this position in coordinating committee. Should the issue arise in discussion with the Allies, you should make clear we not attempting to set a target date for conclusion of Stage II or opening of Stage III.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Repeated to the Department of State. Secretary Kissinger was accompanying President Nixon to a meeting of NATO Heads of Government in Brussels.↩
- Telegram 4072 from Geneva, June 26, reported: “We have been informed that Finns will use June 27 meeting of coordinating committee to issue formal invitation to Stage III in Helsinki during period July 20–30. While most delegations will undoubtedly remain silent, possibility cannot be excluded that Soviets will say they are prepared to accept. In such a situation several Western delegations are prepared to refuse, and Finns will draw formal conclusion that a third stage in July is not possible. USDel will remain silent on this subject unless otherwise instructed by opening of business June 27.” (Ibid.)↩
- Telegram Tosec 64/137770 to Brussels forwarded the text of telegram 4072 from Geneva and proposed a response. (Ibid.)↩