Page 5 from Nixon. NSSM 20-23. Box H-136

This document is a memorandum to the president concerning instructions to be sent from Ambassador Smith regarding the resumption of sessions for the ENDC in Geneva. The cable proposes a change in verification procedures related to the cutoff of production of fissionable material for weapons. The proposed change suggests relying solely on IAEA inspections of declared material production facilities, eliminating the previous requirement for on-site inspections of undisclosed clandestine facilities. The rationale behind this change is based on intelligence regarding the Soviet atomic energy program and the belief that the IAEA system, supplemented by unilateral intelligence, can effectively monitor such an agreement. The cable recommends approval of the proposed instructions but acknowledges uncertainty about the Soviet acceptance of the proposal at that time.