DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, August 18, 1960
CONFIDENTIAL
Sir,
I refer to recent discussions between representatives of our respective Governments
concerning the desirability of extending to all classified information exchanged between
our two Governments the same principles which our Governments have agreed to apply
in safeguarding classified information covered by the Security Agreement by the Parties
to the North Atlantic Treaty, approved by the North Atlantic Council on January 6, 1950, and the Basic Principles
and Minimum Standards of Security, approved by the Council of March 2, 1955 (NATO
Document C-M (55)15(Final)).
I propose, therefore, that all classified information communicated directly or indirectly
between our two Governments be protected in accordance with such principles, namely
that the recipient:
This arrangement would apply to all information furnished by the United States Government
and classified “Confidential”, “Secret” or “Top Secret” and to such information as
your Government designated as coming within the purview of this arrangement. It would
not, however, apply to information for which special agreements may be required, such
as atomic energy information which the United States designates as Restricted Data.
Recognizing that protection of the classified information exchanged hereunder, particularly
in the field of research on, and development and production of defense material is
essential to the national safety and security of both our countries, general procedures
for safeguarding the information would be as set forth in the Annex hereto.
The details regarding channels of communication and the application of the foregoing
principles would be the subject of technical arrangements between appropriate agencies
of our respective Governments.
If the foregoing is agreeable to your Government, I propose that this note and your
reply to that effect, designating the types of information your Government wishes
covered, shall constitute an agreement on this matter effective the date of your reply.
Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my high consideration.
For the Acting Secretary of State:
IVAN B. WHITE
Enclosure:
Annex of General Security Procedures.
The Honorable
E.L.C. Schiff
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Netherlands