396.1–PA/4–2351

Memorandum by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Merchant) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews)

top secret

We have discussed in FE Paris’s 6425 of April 23 (eyes only for Secretary from Jessup and Bohlen) and as a result I am of the opinion that we should not at the present time instruct Mr. Bohlen to approach Gromyko regarding Korea. With the Chinese offensive under way and the situation militarily fluid, I see nothing to gain and something to lose by such an approach at this time. I do not see how we could expect a positive response until the fate of the offensive is clear and to make the approach would almost inevitably be interpreted by the other side as weakness on our part. I believe, however, [Page 380] we should keep this question under constant review and reconsider attempting to utilize this channel at such future time as we might determine.

I have discussed this with Mr. Hickerson and believe him to be in agreement. I would appreciate, however, your appending your comments or concurrences on this memorandum enroute to Mr. Matthews.1

  1. This memorandum was routed to Mr. Matthews through the Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Hickerson) and the Director of the Office of Eastern European Affairs (Reinhardt). Mr. Hickerson indicated his concurrence in a marginal note; Mr. Reinhardt appended no comment, but initialed the memorandum. No further action was taken in regard to instructing Mr. Bohlen to approach Mr. Gromyko in Paris.