EE
~4—
Nine, If your Government were to suspend research and
preparation for tests -- as well as the tests themselves -- and
resume such preparation only upon knowledge that another nation
had actually exploded another H-bomb, we could find our present
commanding lead in nuclear weapons erased or even reversed.
For the preparation for such a test may require up to two years.
Jen,
If your Government were to suspend only its tests,
while continuing precautionary research and preparation --
if that were feasible ~- we could still suffer a serious military
disadvantage. It requires a year or more to organize and effect
such teste as those conducted at our proving ground in the
Pacific Ocean,
IIli
z
a
These facts dictate two conclusions,
First. We must continue ~- until properly safeguarded
international agreements can be reached -- to develop our strength
in the most advanced weapons ~<- for the sake of our own national
safety, for the sake of all free nations, for the sake of peace itself,
Second, We must -- and we shall -- continue to strive ceaselessly
to achieve, not the illusion, but the reality of world disarmament,
Tlusion, in this case, can assume either of two forms,
It can mean
a reliance upon agreements without safeguards. Or it can be the
suggestion that simple suspension of our nuclear tests, without sure
knowledge of the actions of others, signifies progress -- rather
than peril,
There is nothing in post-war history to justify the belief that
we should -- or that we could even dare -- accept anything less than
sound safeguards and controls for any disarmament arrangements.
REPRODUCED AT THE DWIGHTD.
EISENHOWER LIBRARY
Il remain profoundly hopeful that -- if we stay etrong and
steadfast -- the reality of significant world disarmament will
come to pass,
There is every reason to believe that -- if there but be sincerely
peaceful purpose on all sides «- the nations of the world can achieve
and agree upon a system of dependable controls governing disarmament.
We shall never cease striving to this end,
## ee ee #