Skip to content
The Atomic Energy Commission of the United Nations meets on June 14, 1946.

Baruch Plan for International Control of Atomic Energy

In June 1946, Bernard Baruch presented to the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (UNAEC)  a proposal for the international control and regulation of atomic energy. This collection documents the Soviet Union's response to the Baruch Plan. It shows that Molotov and Stalin paid careful attention to the position the Soviet Union was taking at the United Nations on atomic weapons and arms reduction, even as they did not necessarily believe that an agreement was even possible or desirable. For additional information, see David J. Holloway's post on Sources & Methods, "The Soviet Union and the Baruch Plan" (June 2020).

The Atomic Energy Commission of the United Nations meets on June 14, 1946.

Popular Documents

September 18, 1947

Text of Speech Delivered by A.Y. Vyshinsky at the General Assembly of the United Nations, September 18, 1947

The Soviet Union's response to George Marshall's September 17, 1947, speech at the UNGA. Vyshinsky offers the Soviet Union's position on arms control, nuclear weapons, the UN, Korea, Greece, and other issues raised by Marshall

September 17, 1947

George C. Marshall, 'A Program for a More Effective United Nations: Address by the Chief of the U.S. Delegation to the General Assembly'

Marshall speaks about Greece, Palestine, and Korea, as well as the international control of atomic energy and the role and structure of the United Nations.

October 27, 1946

Cable Nos. 97-98, Molotov to Druzhkov [Stalin]

A cable discussing Molotov's intention to give a speech at the UN about veto powers, atom bombs, and arm reductions. He will offer a proposal from the Soviet delegation calling for universal arms reductions, a ban on the use of atomic energy for warlike aims, and efforts towards global peace and security.

November 7, 1946

Cable No. 198, Molotov to Druzhkov [Stalin]

A cable discussing the Soviet proposal for arms reduction and the American reaction to the proposal. Molotov proposes adding a fifth point to their original proposal: the creation, via the Security Council, of an institute for international control.

November 1948

Draft Directive on the Establishment of a Quota System for Atomic Production

A directive for the Soviet delegation, providing instructions and guidelines on handling a proposed quota system for atomic production. The Soviet position is that the quota is not useful unless a prohibition of atomic weapons occurs, in contrast to the Anglo-American opinion.