McCloy, John J. (John Jay) 1895 - 1989

Khrushchev and Ho Chi Minh discuss global tensions around imperialism, nuclear disarmament, and peace talks over Germany. They review worsening Soviet relations with Albania and China, as Albania aligns with Beijing and Western powers. The leaders also address the conflicts in Laos and South Vietnam, balancing support for revolutionary forces with concerns over provoking US intervention.

Dobrynin sends the results of a meeting with Robert Kennedy, during which Dobrynin clears up a “misunderstanding” between the Soviets and Americans and the two discuss American surveillance planes taking fire over Cuba.

Soviet envoy to the UN, G. Zhukov, reports to the Soviet leadership on his discussion with US diplomat John McCloy. The US diplomat said that the US hoped the U2 spy plane pictures taken the day before will show that the withdrawal of Soviet Missiles was proceeding as agreed. Provided that progress was made on the issue of Cuba, further cooperation between the two superpowers was possible, including an agreement on an atmospheric test ban and on the militarization of the outer space.

In this conversation, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev discuss the urgent need for disarmament and the global threat posed by nuclear weapons. Nehru stresses the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war and advocates for international efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace. Khrushchev reaffirms the Soviet Union's commitment to peace and disarmament but defends the resumption of Soviet nuclear testing as necessary to deter Western aggression and ensure national security. The discussion also covers recent speeches by Western leaders, the ongoing arms race, and a confidential letter Khrushchev received from US diplomat John McCloy regarding disarmament negotiations, which both leaders agree merits further consideration as a potential path forward.

Khrushchev criticizes President Kennedy’s recent speech calling for increased armament, warning that such actions escalate the risk of war. He reiterates the Soviet commitment to signing a peace treaty with Germany and outlines the USSR’s position on disarmament, emphasizing staged reductions with corresponding verification. Khrushchev also raises concerns about unequal influence within the UN and calls for greater recognition of the socialist bloc.