Elsenhower Library, Dulles papers, “Meetings with the President”
Memorandum of Conversation, iy the Secretary of State1
[Extracts]
Participants:
(Secretary called in Messrs. Merchant and MacArthur and gave to them orally substance of this memorandum. No distribution at all. Copies to be kept in our immediate office.)
There was discussion concerning the attitude to take toward Mayer and Bidault. Mr. Dulles pointed out that Mayer was a real friend and, broadly speaking, espoused the same ideas as we had regarding the EDC and Indochina. We should treat him as in our corner. The problem was to work out together the ways and means of effectuating our common purpose. If we could not do that with Mayer, it was doubtful it could be done at all in the predictable future and grave consequences would result.
. . . . . . .
There was discussion of the Indochina situation and recognition that it had probably the top priority in foreign policy, being in some ways more important than Korea because the consequences of loss there could not be localized, but would spread throughout Asia and Europe.
[Page 420]It was agreed that we would probably have to step up considerably our aid to the French in Indochina if there was a plan that promised real success.
There was further discussion as to deterrence against the Chinese Communists so they would not send their forces openly into Vietnam as they had done in Korea after the North Koreans were defeated.
. . . . . . .