Evening star., 1961-09-15

Dear Mr.. President:
/ have studied with care the
message from the conference
of nonaligned nations which
you were good enough to pre-
sent in person. The United
States Government is aware
that the nonaligned powers
assembled at Belgrade repre-
sent an important segment Of
world opinion, and, especially,
that their peoples share with
ours a vital stake in the main-
tenance of the peace. In our
continuing deliberations within
the United States Government
and with our allies, we will
give the message from the con-
ference most careful conSidera =
ton.
AS regards the proposal that
I enter into direct negotiations
with Premier Khrushchev, we
are prepared to use existing and
appropriate channels to estab-
lish the possibility of sur
mounting the present impasse.
1t has been and continues to
be our policy to seek to settle
our problems with others by
peaceful means. We have not
attempted to create crises. and
we believe it is incumbent upon
all responsible governments to
explore all possible avenues,
including negotiations at the
highest levels, for mutually ac-
ceptsble solutions of current
international problems. How
ever. unless such negotiations
are carefully prepared before
hand they risk failure and may
lead to deterioration of the sit
uation. We therefore feel that
at a time of great tension it
is particularly necessary that
negotiations Of the kind pro-
posed by the Belgrade confer
ence not only have careful
preparation. but also a reason
able chance of success.
The foreign ministers Of the
Western powers are meeting in
Washington tomorrow. Next
week the Secretary of State will
head the United States delega-
ton to the General Assembly
of the United Nations. We un-
derstand that Foreign Minister
Gromyko will also be present.
This will provide an opportunity
for serious talks about Germany
and other problems If the Soviet
aide proves willing. The chan
nels Of diplomacy are open for
the exploration of constructive
steps toward a reduction of
tension. Other means are
available when they can serve
a useful purpose. Meanwhile,
1t is clearly of the utmost i'm
portance that there be no uni
lateral acts which will make
peaceful progress impossible.
Given a realistic approach
and a sincere desire on the
other side as we'll as ours to
reach a mutually acceptable
solution, we see no reason why
eventual negotiations should not
be successful in coping with
the present crisis. However,
we do not intend to enter into
negotiations under ultimate or
threats. 1t is also clear that
we do not propose to discuss
either abdication of our re-
sponsibility or renunciation of
the modalities for carrying out
thosr responsibilities.
Solution Called Possible
Nevertheless. we believe It
possible to find a solution which
can accommodate vital interests
on both sides of the crisis.
The United States has care
fully noted the statements in
the Belgrade declaration rec
ognizing that the Berlin and
German situations are of vital
Importance to future develop
mepts in International rela-
tions. 1t has consistently been,
and will continue to be, our
policy to settle differences with
realism ana responsibility. We
would note that this crisis has
been initiated by Soviet, not
by American action. We in
dorse the declarations refer
ence to the rights of all
n a tions to unity, self
determination, and independ-
ence, and its condemnation of
intimidation, intervention, and
interference in the exercise of
the right of self-determination
We presume that these prin-
ciples apply equally to the
people of Germany and Berlin.
Our policies in this area have
sought to respect these prin-
ciples. We have absolutely no
intention of resorting to force
or threats of force to solve the
Berlin and Germany problems
but we are determined to homer
our commitments and are pre-
pared to meet force with force
if it is used against us. While
IllC OilIOCu OOdOCS dIlu It's GlllCS
are all agreed there must be
negotiations on the problem
the Soviet Union must give in.
dication of a readiness to ELL
gage in discussion based or
mutual respect. The only con-
iitions it has yet exhibited any
willingness to consider are
conditions which involve the
surrender Of Western rights.
The United States continue,
to believe that conclusion O.
an adequately controlled tes
ban agreement is a matter O.
greatest urgency. We wish tt
reaffirm, however, our belle
that test ban negotiation
should be resumed separated!
from negotiations on genera
and complete disarmament
The Soviet resumption of at