Dear Harold: Of course I share your concern about the nuclear test negotiations. We are now studying the latest Russian proposal.1
As to my own suggestion, the scheme was one on which we had been working for a long time and we felt it would stand any kind of critical examination as long as the analysis was fairly made.2 I am very much afraid that the Soviets are back at the old game of disarming by "pronouncement". The fact that they imply that only a very limited number of on-site inspections would be permitted is seemingly throwing a road block in the way of real progress.
Respecting the matter we discussed at Rambouillet, I am quite astonished at the atmosphere of formality with which the French seem to view the matter and the difficulties they see of putting the simple plan into action. You will recall that General de Gaulle wanted to have some way of conducting three-way consultations on any subject of common interest. I suggested that we might have one or two junior but capable staff officers from each country keeping abreast of the questions that might call for such consultation and that when the occasion so demanded, conferees at higher level could get into the picture. But such consultations would always be so conducted as to avoid even the appearance of venturing unjustifiably into the affairs of others. When our conversation took place, I thought that General de Gaulle was in complete accord and seemed to agree that the scheme could be set afoot without fanfare and without trouble. Just where it jumped the track I do not know.3
I quite agree with your statement that we should get away from the arguments about the memorandum and what it did or did not mean, and try to concentrate on practical discussions of current interest.4
I am glad that you accepted General de Gaulle’s invitation to meet with him for a couple of days at some spot in the country. It appears from my informal reports that the negotiations looking toward the clarification of command structures in NATO show signs of improvement. It would be good to get that problem out of the way.5
I am not clear as to your exact meaning in referring to the "defense question and the deterrent". In our own case the measures we are taking seem to us to be sound and though the circumstances of an upcoming Presidential campaign have stimulated a lot of demagogic shrieks and cries of alarm, the fact is that our defenses and our deterrent are not only strong but grow more powerful day by day. On the other hand I am very much worried that the Congress will again cut back on the amounts we can devote to military assistance to our allies. If they do, I think the Western powers will be faced with a very difficult situation.6
In my family and, indeed, I think in all Washington, we are examining news bulletins every hour, on the hour, in our anxiety to learn that the new member has joined the Queen’s family. I do most sincerely pray that all goes well.7
It is good to have you back in London where we can get in touch whenever we choose.8
With warm regard, As ever
P.S. Before I could get this off, I was able to send to Her Majesty a cable of congratulations. I know that all England is very happy as indeed we are.9
