Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 1

Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 212: Telegram

No. 503
The Secretary of State to the Department of State¹

top secret priority
niact

Berlin, February 18, 1954—1 a.m.

Dulte 87. For Acting Secretary from Secretary. Re Dulte 86² Bidault is instructed by Cabinet to accept this latest Soviet offer and we consider it acceptable in itself apart from necessity avoiding break with France which would imperil both Indochina and EDC.

(1) Principle of no five power conference is upheld; (2) there is no promotion of Communist China to position of authority and prestige; (3) we are negotiating with Communist China only on de facto basis in relation to concrete local problems of war and peace where that regime is a necessary party; (4) composition for Korea is as we sought and India is excluded; and (5) our choice of place is accepted.

I have emphasized to Bidault that prospect of conference on Indochina will increase Communist effort for knock out this season and must be met with corresponding determination to win good negotiating position.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Secretary Dulles.
2. Document 496.