Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XLI, Global Issues II

360. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (Negroponte) to the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Wallis)¹

Washington, April 20, 1987

SUBJECT

• Negotiations to Control Ozone-Depleting Chemicals

As we discussed,² we need your help to obtain agreement on a tenable negotiating position in the April 27–30 round on ozone-depleting chemicals. I recommend you call Miller at OMB, Baldridge at Commerce, Hodel at Interior, and Gary Bauer, Assistant to the President for Policy Development, to urge their agencies to support having our delegation continue to play a strong role with a flexible position. Lower level officials of those agencies are advocating acceptance of the EC position calling for only a 20% reduction in use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), abandoning our advocacy (supported by Canada, the Nordics, Australia and others) of deeper cuts over a longer time period as outlined in the Circular 175 you approved last November (Tab C).³

It would be most helpful if you can reach Miller, Baldridge, Hodel and Bauer before the interagency meeting Tuesday, April 21 at 4:30,⁴ where we should approve the position paper attached at Tab B (note especially options at IV B).⁵

Talking Points are at Tab A.

Recommendation:

That you telephone Miller (OMB), Baldridge (Commerce), Hodel (Interior) and Bauer (OPD).⁶

Tab A

Talking Points Prepared in the Department of State⁷

Washington, undated

Talking Points

—I understand that several agencies have questioned the previously approved U.S. position in the negotiations to control chemicals which deplete stratospheric ozone.

—George Shultz, John Whitehead and I support the position outlined in the Circular 175.

—State shares the view that the basic elements of a refined position should be reviewed by the DPC before the USG signs on.

—Since the DPC review will not take place until after next week’s round of negotiations, however, it is essential that the delegation be allowed sufficient flexibility, within the scope of the Circular 175, to maintain the momentum in the negotiations.

—The U.S. has played a leading role in these negotiations, deflecting proposals which would have seriously disadvantaged the U.S.

—It is unacceptable for us to switch to a passive mode at this round and to refuse to address the central issue of the negotiation: stringency and timing of CFC reductions.

—If we are perceived as obstructing the international agreement, it would lead to court and legislative action for unilateral U.S. controls which would both disadvantage U.S. industry and not adequately protect the ozone layer. (EPA is under court order to propose a decision on domestic regulations under the Clean Air Act. Chafee and Baucus bills calling for extreme cuts are on hold as long as international negotiations are making progress.)⁸

—The U.S. delegation leaves this weekend. An interagency meeting Tuesday afternoon is to approve the position paper.

—I hope we can count on your agency’s agreement to a position which will enable the delegation to continue to work toward a reasonable agreement which will be a credit to the Administration, protecting the environment while protecting U.S. industry and consumers.⁹

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, P870076–0719. Limited Official Use. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates Wallis saw it. Drafted by Butcher and cleared in OES/E and OES/ENH. Copies were sent to Bailey, Johnson, and Long.
2. Not further identified.
3. Attached, but not printed. See Document 355.
4. No record of this meeting has been found.
5. Undated, attached but not printed.
6. Wallis initialed the approve option. Marshall wrote the name “Wright” above the name “Miller,” “Smart” above “Baldridge,” “Pearlman” above “Hodel,” circled the name “Bauer,” and drew an arrow pointing to the recommendation and wrote “done 4/21/87 g” beside the arrow.
7. Limited Official Use.
8. S. 571 and S. 570, respectively.
9. In the bottom margin, Wallis wrote “chlorofluorocarbons bromine compounds.”