751G.00/7–654: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
67. Repeated information London 13, Geneva 9. I took up Deptel 411 with Mendes this afternoon and he said that he felt that for the [Page 1788] time being, the talks we were having in diplomatic channels here in Paris were covering the situation. He said that he hoped to have more detailed discussions with the Secretary or the Under Secretary at Geneva next week. He pointed out that the problem would be very different depending upon whether or not there was a cease-fire. If there was to be a cease-fire, he felt there would have to be some sort of guaranties and he intended to explore this subject with us as soon as he arrived at Geneva. On the other hand, if there was no cease-fire, it would be necessary to have prompt and very thorough conversations between France and the US. However, he would not be conducting the conversations as his government would no longer be in power.
Telegram 41 to Paris, July 2, read as follows:
↩- “1. I presume Mendes-France’s failure to suggest opening of talks, which President told Coty in his letter of June 16 we were ready to enter whenever French Government considered opportune, results from his lack of desire seriously to pursue subject with us at this time. I would like to have, however, assurance from you that there is no possibility that he failed to grasp clear implication that passage of President’s letter.
- “2. Have you had any reaction from Mendes-France with respect to contents our seven-point memorandum as agreed with British and jointly presented to French?” (751G.00/7–254) For information on President Eisenhower’s letter, see footnote 1, p. 1720.