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STRICTLY SECRET
reproduction prohibited
CABLE
from Moscow sent at 1600 26 November 1946
arrived in SOCHI for decipherment at 1655 26 November 1946
[handwritten across the heading:
by cipher
to Cde. Molotov
In reply to number 423-424
of 27 [?November?] 1946
I agree
Druzhkov
27 November
city of Sochi]
Incoming Nº 42/sh
MOSCOW, VKP(b) CC – to Cde. DRUZHKOV
Special numbers 423, 424.
In accordance with instructions received we have formulated the following additional point to our proposals (see our 198, incoming Nº 37739) regarding a general reduction of armaments:
“Acting on the basis of a special statute institute permanent international control in the system of the Security Council, which bears the main responsibility for international peace and security, in which the creation of special inspection bodies is provided in order to ensure measures are carried out to reduce armaments and to prohibit the use of atomic energy for military purposes. To do this form:
a) a commission to control the observance of a decision to reduce armaments, to operate until the conclusion of measures to implement this decision, and
b) a commission to control the observance of a decision concerning the prohibition on the use of atomic energy for military purposes”.
Thus, in our wording the first commission will be given a transitional character, but the second one, a permanent one.
We still have not shown this wording to anyone, but will have to make it public in the next few days.
However, we have doubts of the advisability of citing the language of point a) above, inasmuch as the end of this point the temporary nature of the first commission is revealed, which can make criticism of our position easier. Therefore we would consider that at this stage of the discussion of the question we ought not provide such language which would point to the temporary nature of the first commission. This can be done at a later stage of the discussion of this question in the Security Council insofar as as we are not tying our hands in this regard.
In view of the above, we suggest in point a) excluding the words “to operate until the conclusion of measures to implement this decision” and thus it will not stress the temporary nature of the first commission at this stage of the discussion of the question.
Please approve [this] or give different instructions. [handwritten on an earlier draft: N 683/sh]
MOLOTOV
25 November 1946
New York City
Deciphered at 1810 26 November 1946. Two copies printed. Khokhlov
A cable from Molotov, discussing an additional point the Soviets plan to add to their proposal and seeking approval from Stalin. The point recommends a special commission within the Security Council for the purposes of both arms reduction and nuclear arms control.
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Strictly Secret
Documents from Stalin’s personal fond at the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History offer insights into the Soviet Union’s position vis-à-vis the Baruch plan for the international control of atomic energy.