ACSAP
Briefing Paper for the President's Fress “onference
August 2h, 1960
GENAVA TEST BAL NEGOTIATIONS
QUESTION
Mr. President, the Geneva test ban negotiations recessed last
Monday at the request of the U.S. and U.K. for a five week period.
Did the U.S. seek a recess in order to develop a major move which
we would present when the conference reconvenes?
ANSWER
We requested a recess simply in the belief that various
proposals and counter-proposals regarding such key issues as on-=
site inspection quotas, the phasing of the control system, safeguards
for a seismic research proyram and the composition of the Control
Commission would require detailed study by the governments concerned.
Moreover, a recess seemed in order at this time to give the people
involved in the negotiations at Geneva a respite from their
demanding task.
I might add, that no consideration is being given to a major
shift in our present position in the Geneva negotiations.
QUESTION
lr. President, does the United States intend to go ahead with
Project VELA regardless of whether or not the Soviet Union agrees
to a coordinated research program?
ANSWER
Project VELA, of course, was initiated back in 1959 and
consequently certain aspects of the program are already well under
Way, as the Soviet Union is aware. We certainly will want to carry
out the research necessary in this area.
However, during the current
REPRODUCED AT THE DWIGHT D. ELSENHOWER LIBRARY
recess in the negotiations, consideration will be given to ways and
means of doing this, bearing in mind the Soviet Union's positions on
the matter,
QUESTION
Hr. President, reports indicated that Mr. McCone's and ir.
Merchant's trip to London last week was undertaken to overcome
certain differences between the U.S. and U.K. on matters pertaining
to the Geneva test ban negotiations. Were these differences ironed
out ?
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COLLECTION
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FOLDER Confrence.Sby|oo