Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume IV, Soviet Union, January 1983–March 1985

63. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Clark) to President Reagan¹

Washington, June 16, 1983

SUBJECT

• Renewal of U.S.-USSR Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Transportation

Issue: Should the 1973 U.S.-USSR Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Transportation (which will expire automatically on June 19, 1983) be extended for a further six-month period? Should we propose to the Soviets now that a working-level meeting take place during the six-month period to consider a longer term amended agreement?

Facts: The 1973 U.S-USSR Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Transportation will expire on June 19, 1983. State forwarded a memorandum (Tab A) recommending that the agreement be extended for a further six-month period and that during this time a working-level meeting of both sides be convened to consider a longer term agreement.² State endorses renewal of the agreement as it is consistent with our policy enunciated in NSDD 75 (U.S. Policy Toward the Soviet Union)—not to dismantle further the framework of exchanges with the USSR. The Department of Transportation (Tab A–2) believes the agreement has resulted in tangible benefits to the U.S.³

Discussion: Six-month renewal of this agreement has been approved by the appropriate agencies. However, Commerce and DOD have expressed some concern about the risk of technology transfers through certain activities conducted under the agreement.

As extension of the agreement upholds the guidelines set forth in NSDD 75, I concur with State’s recommendation that it be extended. However, before a working level meeting is proposed to the Soviets, a thorough review of the agreement and the risks of technology transfers entailed should be made. The appropriate vehicle to undertake this review would be the NSC-chaired Polish-Soviet Sanctions Monitoring Group. Also, if a negotiating strategy is developed through the interagency process, it should be submitted to the Monitoring Group for consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the 1973 U.S.-USSR Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Transportation be extended for a further six-month period.

2. That a working level meeting of both sides not be proposed to the Soviets now, but that the Polish-Soviet Sanctions Monitoring Group undertake a thorough review of the agreement.⁴

1. Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Country File, Europe and Soviet Union, USSR (06/14/83) (1). Confidential. Sent for action. Prepared by Matlock.
2. Tab A, the memorandum dated June 14, is attached but not printed.
3. Tab A–2 is attached but not printed
4. Clark approved both recommendations. On June 17, Poindexter wrote under the recommendations: “President briefed by Matlock and President approved both recommendations.”