[FPSPACE] Moments in the History of Cosmonautics - 1

[E.P. Grondine]

12 NOVEMBER, 1963, THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON
National Security Action Memoranda Number 271.
Memoranda for: James Webb, the Administrator, NASA.
Subject: Cooperation with the USSR on Outer Space Matters.

     I would like you to assume personally the initiative and central 
responsibility within the Government fro the development of a program of 
substantive cooperation with the Soviet Union in the field of outer space, 
including the development of specific technical proposals.  I assume that 
you will work closely with the Department of State and other agencies as 
appropriate.
     These proposals should be developed with a view to their possible 
discussion with the Soviet Union as a direct outcome of my September 20 
proposal for broader cooperation between the United States and the USSR in 
outer space, including cooperation in lunar landing programs.  All proposals 
or suggestions originating within the government will be referred to you for 
your consideration and evaluation.
     In addition to developing substantive proposals, I expect that you will 
assist the Secretary of State in exploring problems of procedure and timing 
connected with holding discussions with the Soviet Union and in proposing 
for my consideration the channels which would be most desirable form our 
point of view.  In this connection the channel of contact developed by Dr. 
Dryden between NASA and the Soviet Academy of Sciences has been quite 
effective, and I believe that we should continue to utilize it as 
appropriate as a means of continuing the dialogue between scientists of both 
countries.
     I would like an interim report on the progress of our planning by 
December 15.

     (signed) John F. Kennedy

The assissination in Dallas a few days later brought this early initiative 
to an end.

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