Country: United States / USSR
Subject: Soviet Reaction to the 10 June speech of President Kennedy
DOI: 11 June 1963

1. The Soviets were favorably surprised by the tenor of President Kennedy's 10 June speech because it reflected a broad progressive approach toward solving current problems. The atmosphere created by this speech is now such that the possibilities of agreeing on a test ban treaty are very good. No chief of state would make such a speech unless he were completely convinced that agreement was probable. The only problem in the past which prevented a test ban treaty was Soviet doubt of the sincerity of United States Intentions to enter into such an agreement. If the Soviets were sure of the United States sincerity, there would be no problems -- including that of inspections -- which could not be solved. President Kennedy's speech has gone long way toward assuaging Soviet doubts of United States sincerity.