THE UNITED KINGDOM

[NOTE: See also Section B, "European Regional Organizations etc.," of this part.]

205. UNITED KINGDOM-UNITED STATES DISCUSSION OF "THE MAJOR ISSUES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS" AFFECTING THE TWO COUNTRIES: Joint Statement Issued at Washington by the President of the United States (Kennedy) and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (Macmillan), April 8, 1961 19

We have a statement for you 20 on what we and our two Secretaries of State and other advisers have been discussing in the last four days.21 We have had a series of candid and friendly talks. We have discussed the present world situation in general, and in particular the major issues of international relations which affect our two countries. We have reached a very high level of agreement on our estimate of the nature of the problems which we face. We realize all too well that to meet these problems will require from us many sacrifices.

Open and friendly discussions have served to clarify and confirm our common commitment to those who care for freedom. We are in complete agreement as to the gravity and depth of the dangers in the present world situation for those nations who wish to retain their independence and the priceless right of choice.

While we recognize that the core of Western security against armed aggression continues to be the North Atlantic Alliance, we also discussed how our countries can help to strengthen the Free World as a whole.

We have considered what measures it might be advisable to take, together with our allies, to ensure the cohesion, effectiveness and adaptability of the Atlantic community in a changing world.

To this end we have examined the world economic and financial situation, including the problems of imbalance and short-term capital movements; the need for coordination to meet these problems by increased utilization of existing international machinery; the need for more effective assistance to nations in an earlier stage of economic development; and the need for maintenance of world trade at the highest possible level. We have recognized both the urgency and the importance of further steps toward the economic and political unity of Europe.

"White House press release dated Apr. 8, 1961 (text as printed in the Department of State Bulletin, Apr. 24, 1961, p. 579).

Prime Minister Macmillan made an informal visit to Washington Apr. 49, 1961, for a series of talks with President Kennedy.

"This statement was read to news correspondents by the President at the White House.

On Apr. 3, 1961, the Earl of Home, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, arrived at Washington for talks with Secretary of State Rusk, departing Apr. 8; both Secretaries of State participated in talks with the President and the Prime Minister.

We reaffirm our vigorous support of the United Nations and our determination to oppose the attempts currently being made to undermine its authority as an instrument for peace and security in the world. We have given close attention to South East Asia and specifically to the critical problems of Laos and Vietnam.22

We are agreed upon both the importance and the difficulty of working towards satisfactory relations with the Soviet Union.

We also reaffirm the determination of our governments to do their utmost to bring to a successful conclusion within a reasonable period of time the negotiations in Geneva for the cessation of nuclear weapons tests under effective inspection and control.

We have talked as partners, but with a full awareness of the rights and interests of the other nations with whom we are closely associated.

206. UNITED KINGDOM-UNITED STATES "REVIEW OF THE WORLD SITUATION” IN THE LIGHT OF THE KENNEDY-DE GAULLE AND KENNEDY-KHRUSHCHEV TALKS: Joint Communiqué Issued at London by the President of the United States (Kennedy) and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (Macmillan), June 5, 1961 23

After his visits to Paris and Vienna, President Kennedy paid a short private visit to London on June 4 and 5. This gave the President the opportunity to review the world situation with the Prime Minister in the light of his talks with President de Gaulle 24 and Mr. Khrushchev.25 The President and Mr. Macmillan were thus able to continue the close personal contact begun in Washington two months ago.26

Their discussion covered the major problems, both economic and political, and revealed once again the close agreement of the two governments in pursuing their common purposes.

Occasion was given to review the need for economic collaboration and expansion in the general interest of developed and under-developed countries alike.

On Laos, the President and the Prime Minister noted with satisfaction the agreement in Vienna on the need for an effective cease fire which, in their opinion, should lead to progress in Geneva towards an agreement permitting the establishment of a neutral and independent Laos.

Particular attention was also given to the nuclear tests conference and to the question of disarmament.

23 See post, docs. 489-528 and 537-547.

23

White House press release dated June 5, 1961 (text as printed in the Department of State Bulletin, June 26, 1961, p. 999). The discussions between the President and Prime Minister Macmillan took place June 5. The President was accompanied by Mrs. Kennedy during his visit to London.

The situation in regard to Germany was reviewed and there was full agreement on the necessity of maintaining the rights and obligations of the allied governments in Berlin.

207. UNITED KINGDOM-UNITED STATES DISCUSSIONS ON "CONTINUED... COOPERATION... ON A GREAT VARIETY OF QUESTIONS": Joint Communiqué Issued at Hamilton, Bermuda, by the President of the United States (Kennedy) and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (Macmillan), December 22, 1961 27

The President and the Prime Minister have had two days of valuable discussions surveying the world situation. Their discussions centered mainly on the question of Berlin, on nuclear problems and on the situation in the Congo. Their talks will form the basis of continued United States-United Kingdom cooperation during the coming months on a great variety of questions.

The President and the Prime Minister examined the situation concerning Berlin in the light of the decisions taken at the meetings of the Foreign Ministers of the Four Powers and of the NATO Council in Paris.28 In particular they discussed the steps to be taken in regard to the renewal of diplomatic contacts with the Soviet Union. The President has agreed as a consequence of the Paris meeting that the initial contact would be made by the U.S. Ambassador in Moscow and the Prime Minister has indicated that the British Ambassador would be available to play whatever part might be found helpful. The President and the Prime Minister agreed that the purpose should be to ascertain whether a reasonable basis for negotiation can be found. The other governments directly concerned will of course be fully consulted throughout. Consultations with the other governments concerned are continuing.

The President and the Prime Minister considered the problems of the nuclear arms race. They took note of the new situation created by the massive series of atmospheric tests conducted in recent months by the Soviet Government after long secret preparations.29 They agreed that it is now necessary, as a matter of prudent planning for the future, that pending the final decision preparations should be made for atmospheric testing to maintain the effectiveness of the deterrent.

Meanwhile, they continue to believe that no task is more urgent than the search for paths toward effective disarmament, and they pledge themselves to intensive and continued efforts in this direction.

27

White House press release dated Dec. 22, 1961 (text as printed in the Department of State Bulletin, Jan. 15, 1962, pp. 94-95). This meeting took place Dec. 21-22.

Serious progress toward disarmament is the only way of breaking out of the dangerous contest so sharply renewed by the Soviet Union. The President and the Prime Minister believe that the plans for disarmament put forward by the United States in the current session of the United Nations General Assembly 30 offer a basis for such progress, along with the treaty for ending nuclear tests which the two nations have so carefully prepared and so earnestly urged upon the Soviet Government.31

The President and the Prime Minister reviewed recent developments in the Congo. They noted with satisfaction that, as an encouraging step toward understanding, a useful meeting had been held at Kitona between Mr. [Cyrille] Adoula and Mr. [Moise] Tshombe. They expressed their strong hope that further progress would be made through the efforts of both parties. It seemed to them of first importance that the present discussions should be actively continued in appropriate ways. They agreed on the importance of avoiding any renewal of armed action while genuine efforts at consultation are going forward.

In a general discussion of the economic situation the President and the Prime Minister took note of progress in the negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community 35 and expressed the hope that these would be brought to a successful

conclusion.

33

Part V

EASTERN EUROPE

[REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT OF THE MUTUAL DEFENSE ASSISTANCE CONTROL ACT OF 1951 TO PERMIT REESTABLISHMENT OF THE "HISTORIC TIES OF FRIENDSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE OF EASTERN EUROPE": Letter From the President (Kennedy) to the President of the Senate (Johnson), February 21, 1961-Post, doc. 640]

Bulgaria

208. BULGARIAN-UNITED STATES NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF WORLD WAR II CLAIMS OF AMERICAN NATIONALS: Announcement Issued by the Department of State, January 11, 19611

Representatives of the United States will begin negotiations with representatives of the Bulgarian Government at Washington on January 12 on certain outstanding financial issues between the United States and Bulgaria.

The United States will seek in the forthcoming negotiations to arrive at a final settlement of outstanding claims of U.S. nationals against Bulgaria.

In August 1955 the Government of the United States, acting under the terms of the treaty of peace signed at Paris on February 10, 1947,2 and under international law, vested certain Bulgarian assets which had remained blocked in the United States since World War II. This action, authorized under Public Law 285, 84th Congress, provided for the distribution of the proceeds of the vested assets to American nationals having claims against Bulgaria.

Department of State press release No. 14 (text as printed in the Department of State Bulletin, Jan. 30, 1961, p. 150).

2 TIAS 1650; 61 Stat. 1915; 41 UNTS 21.