Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969–1972

49. Telegram 1465 From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State¹ ²

Moscow, March 25, 1970, 1320Z.

Subj:

• Safeguards Committee

Ref:

• Moscow’s 1371

Deputy Foreign Minister Kozyrev read to me statement handed yesterday to UK Ambassador. Statement criticizes UK proposal as conducive to lengthy and complex enquiries re desirable contents of safeguards agreement between IAEA and non-nuclear powers when treaty is already clear this point. Proposal could be used by some countries to weaken system of controls envisaged under IAEA. Under questioning Kozyrev said Soviets not opposed in principle at present time to creation ad hoc committee, but could not assure that this would be final Soviet position. He said Soviets would pursue discussions in Vienna. I told him we were also against delay but believed committee could be useful vehicle for negotiation. Decon 3/26/71

Beam

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, AE 13 IAEA. Limited Official Use. It was repeated to London and Vienna.
2. The telegram reported that Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister Kozyrev had handed the UK a statement criticizing its proposal for forming an IAEA safeguards committee.