751G.00/4–3054
The Economic Coordinator, Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs (Baldwin) to the Special Adviser to the United States Delegation (Robertson)
Dear Walter: I would like to pass on in this manner a report of a brief talk which I had last night with Roger Makins when we met at the Japanese Embassy. I have known Roger for some time and worked closely with him when he was in the Foreign Office and I was in the Embassy, which may account in part for the frankness with which he spoke.
At the outset of the conversation, Roger said that he was very concerned over the “serious situation” involving Indochina and the Geneva Conference. I expressed regret that his country and mine appeared farther apart than usual in their efforts to cope with the problem. He said that was most unfortunate and mentioned differences between British public opinion and American public opinion on a number of international problems, including Indochina. He then said that he did not know any quick remedy for this ailment but felt that if every effort could be made to keep the Geneva Conference in session “for as long as possible” the British public could be convinced that the United States and its allies were making a sincere effort to achieve something at the Conference but were prevented from doing so by the uncompromising and unreasonable attitude of the Communists.
As he knew that I had recently returned from Singapore, Roger asked about the effect of a Communist–dominated Indochina on the rest of Southeast Asia. I told him that it was my personal opinion that such a deplorable condition would have a fatal effect, and added that it was Malcolm MacDonald’s viewpoint several months ago that if Indochina should be lost to Communism, Malaya would be near the top of the list of next victims. Roger quickly and emphatically agreed.
All of this, doubtless, is of little value but Drum and I felt that it might be of some interest to you.
I hope the going is not too rough and that you are finding it possible to have a breathing spell now and then.
Best regards,