790.00/1–550: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
51. Re Embtel 5148, Dec 29.1 Pls convey fol to Wright from McGhee.
We have given careful consideration to suggestion of joint talks on NE by US, UK and France and have following comments: We [Page 90] believe informal talks between any two of three powers at frequent intervals have become routine development as continuing procedure and are no longer subject of widespread publicity and speculation. On the other hand we feel that talks between three powers at this time wld receive full spotlight of publicity, thereby removing any possibility of talks being kept quiet and increasing security hazards. They wld also give rise to unfortunate misapprehensions in various quarters, particularly in view of recent developments in NE, and provide ready-made propaganda for Sov use in NE. On balance we believe that it wld be preferable and more advantageous to all concerned for three powers to continue helpful bilateral conversations for time being. However, we will bear matter in mind shld situation at future date appear to make tri-partite talks desirable. This of course does not preclude tri-partite discussion on ad hoc basis such as took place in ESM activities.
In connection foregoing and as indication our interest in maintaining close relations with France on NEA matters, Wright may be interested to know of recent assignment of Utter2 to Paris in capacity similar that of Palmer in London. [McGhee.]
- Not printed; it reported that Mr. Wright recalled to an Embassy officer that “during his conversations Washington he had raised question joint talks on NE by US, UK and France. Assistant Secretary McGhee said Department would look into matter and let Wright know after Istanbul conference whether US agreeable such conversations.” Mr. Wright also informed that the “French were frequently pressing Foreign Office to ascertain whether UK and US willing participate.” (890.00/12–2949)↩
- John E. Utter, Second Secretary of Embassy in France.↩