July 27, 1984
This morning's TASS statement misrepresents our position, which is that we have accepted the
Soviet proposal for discussions in Vienna in September without preconditions. Our preparations
are continuing vigorously, and we expect to be in Vienna. We do not believe that such discussions
are impossible, and we are continuing to deal with this subject in private diplomatic channels.
The United States finds it very disturbing that the Soviets portray the United States as responsible
for the breakdown of the nuclear negotiations in Geneva when the world knows the Soviets
walked out of those discussions. Already existing nuclear systems deserve our most urgent
attention. If the Soviets do not choose to listen to our views on this subject, they need not, but for
us and for mankind, this subject is too important to ignore. This U.S. approach does not represent
a precondition. We will take whatever the Soviets say on antisatellite weapons seriously and
respond constructively. We simply point out that we wish to restore exchanges on the subject of
offensive nuclear arms. The world has a right to expect the U.S.S.R. and the United States to
maintain such discussions.