Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969–1972

316. Letter From President Nixon to British Prime Minister Wilson¹

Washington, September 17, 1969.

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

Your letter of August 4, 1969 suggests that the understandings existing between our two governments with regard to consultation on the use of nuclear weapons be reaffirmed in the usual way.²

I am pleased to confirm that the understandings set forth in the enclosure to this letter and in President Johnson’s letter of November 11, 1965³ remain in full effect under my Administration.

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 763, Presidential Correspondence, United Kingdom Prime Minister Wilson Corres. Top Secret; Sensitive. An enclosure is not printed.
2. A copy of Wilson’s letter is ibid. In telegram 2714 from London, April 9, the Embassy in London reminded the Department of State that it was the practice of the British Government to seek confirmation of the U.S.–U.K. agreement with a change of administration in either country. (Ibid.) The U.S.–U.K. agreement to cooperate on nuclear weapons use and development was signed on July 3, 1968.
3. A copy of Johnson’s letter is in the Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, United Kingdom, Vol. 2, Prime Minister Wilson. See also Document 333.