396.1 BE/2–654: Telegram
No. 434
The Secretary of
State to the President
niact
Dulte 42. For President, copy eyes only for Acting Secretary from Secretary. Greatly appreciate your message.1 We approach critical aspect in relation to Indochina. Yesterday I proposed restricted conference Monday on Far Eastern agenda items. This had been agreed to last week when we left full conference discussion of first agenda item. Had hoped events might make this restricted session unnecessary or at least that specific discussion Indochina could be avoided. But French insistent and British strongly press for some “constructive” move our part in Asian area. Under circumstances felt it was best for me to make the proposal for restricted meeting as indicating less weakness than if others made it. Also if further discussion inevitable, felt desirable initiate it prior to worse news from Indochina. Last night I urged Bidault to pass over any suggestion of Indochina negotiation,2 saying that even to initiate discussion [Page 978] put us on slippery ground, and might lead to further deterioration morale in Indochina and France. However, he feels that bottom will fall out of French home situation unless he does something here to indicate a desire to end Indochina war.
I shall do everything possible minimize risks, but dare not push Bidault beyond point which he thinks will break his position in France, as he our main reliance both for EDC and Indochina, although on latter Laniel also seems to be firm for continuing French effort.3
- Document 430.↩
- The occasion on which Dulles spoke to Bidault has not been identified further.↩
- A note attached to the source text indicates that a copy of Dulte 42 was transmitted to the White House on Feb. 6.↩