751G.00/10–254: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Aldrich) to the Department of State
1691. Repeated information Paris 243, Saigon 22. From Secretary. At luncheon October 2 Eden raised subject Associated States. He expressed [Page 2114] a deep-seated concern over impression he had gained from several members French delegation London Conference that French were divided between inclination support Diem and possibility of deal with Ho. I had arranged to inform British here fully of Smith–LaChambre Washington conversations for which Eden was grateful. He feels we are following right line with French but is particularly concerned over situation in Laos. I gather he is gloomy over prospects holding South Vietnam but is particularly sensitive over developments in Laos which he obviously considered will have repercussions on Burma. Caccia who was present continued display curiosity concerning our intentions providing military aid and particularly to establish MAAG in Cambodia.