Given the destruction that had been wrought in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the devastating effects that were felt for decades, Ceylon was quick to react to the American testing of a nuclear device. Writing to US President John F. Kennedy, Mrs Bandaranaike claimed that “Coming at a time when there is universal demand for the outlawing of these tests ad when the hopes of the world are centered on the current negotiations in Geneva, the resumption of these tests is a grave setback to peace and brings mankind once again to the brink of nuclear destruction.” She was forthright in her standpoint, informing the US President that “the neutralist nations like Ceylon, who are dedicated to the cause of disarmament and the banning of nuclear tests, are shocked at this disregard of their cumulative wishes.” President Kennedy, in replying Mrs Bandaranaike, recalled her speech in Belgrade, “that every stage and phase of disarmament should be established by having an effective method of inspection and control over its operation and maintenance.” He added that “although there may be some differences between us as to what constitutes ‘effective’ inspection and control, I am heartened that we seem not to differ over the need for it.”