396.1 GE/5–1754: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation1
Tosec 190. Limit distribution. Merchant today separately saw New Zealand, Australian and British Ambassadors at their request. Informed them he thought general agreement just about reached on holding five-power military staff talks which we desire held Washington without fanfare. Also indicated we intend continue parallel talks with broader group interested states, bilaterally if necessary, on question development regional security arrangements.
Also reviewed with each of them in general terms talks which have taken place with French.
Ambassadors in the main listened although Munro and Spender by referring to Webb’s and Casey’s statements gave impression they feel political talks should go forward as matter of urgency. Munro and Makins both also queried what French were doing on matter independence. Munro inquired if we had received any approach similar to French from Associated States. He also probed into question of what type of UN action US had in mind.
Makins indicated Eden keeping India, Pakistan and Ceylon informed closely re Geneva developments. He expressed the view that all three might come in with respect to a settlement provided settlement were guaranteed multilaterally by both sides. Makins added that in so far as he knew there had been no discussion or suggestion that Eden had in mind that these States would come into a collective security arrangement as members.2