Code Message No. 11027 from Foreign Minister Rapacki to Milnikiel (London)

248

October 20, code message of the minister of foreign affairs

to the ambassador in London regarding modification

of the Rapacki Plan

Warsaw, October 20, 1958

CODE MESSAGE [No]^c11027   October 20, 19.30 hrs^c

MILNIKIEL – LONDON

1) For your eyes only:

In the near future we plan to propose a new variant of tactical play of the nuclear-free zone plan. Namely we propose to divide the implementation of our plan into two stages. In stage one we would see the ban on nuclear weapons production in the zone, i.e. in Poland, Czechoslovakia, the GDR, and the FRG, and the ban on delivery of such weapons to the armed forces of the above states and all the other troops stationed in the zone and which still do not have nuclear weapons. (This means, in practice, that stage one would not lead to the denuclearization of American, English and Soviet troop stationed in Germany). When this stage is completed, there would be talks between representatives of Warsaw Pact and the Atlantic pact, aimed at negotiating the reduction of troops and conventional weapons in the zone. Stage two, that is total denuclearization of the zone would take place alongside the realization of the negotiated reduction of troops and conventional weapons.^4[1]6 I plan to put this plan to the Norwegians at Oslo.^4[2]7

2) We ask you to conduct, in the near future, talks with the leading personalities of the Labor Party, who are particularly interested in the idea of disengagement. Under no circumstances should you give away our plans to them. But please ask them about their assessment of our plan’s chances, the need for certain modifications, etc. During the discussion fight off all modifications other than those expressed in item 1a voice agreement with their proposals that are concordant with our new line and ^cfix such statements they make^c. The point is that Labor Party activists be aware that they influenced our decision, when our new proposals are announced.

^fA. Rapacki^f

AMSZ, ZD 6/77, w. 58, t. 812

⁴⁶ On November 4, at a press conference Rapacki presented a modified version of the plan, submitting a declaration, which reads, among others: “We are prepared [...] to consider dividing the realization of our plan into two stages: in stage one a ban on nuclear weapons production on the territory of Poland, Czechoslovakia, the GDR, the FRG and commitments would be taken to refrain from nuclear armament and the relevant installations of those armies that do not have them yet [but are stationed] on the territory of the zone. At the same time appropriate control measures would be put in place. It would mean, therefore, one could say, freezing nuclear armament in our proposed zone. The realization of stage two would be preceded by talks on the subject of an appropriate reduction of conventional forces. The reduction would take place at the same time as with the total denuclearization of the zone and would be accompanied by the introduction of appropriate control measures. [...] Such a modification would correspond [...] to the suggestion and motions by many Western politicians, who spoke in relation to our initiative. It should also remove all the fears raised during the discussion, and which were primarily used to justify the negative attitude of certain circles and governments to the Polish proposals.''; Trybuna Ludu of November 5.

⁴⁷ See doc. no 259.