110.11 DU/5–2754: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Department of State
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Dulte 126. Repeated information priority Paris 342, London 212, Canberra 9, Wellington 5. Tedul 131.1 Discussed with representatives [Page 954] of other four governments. While recognizing desirability of avoiding extravagant speculation which might arise for example when Australian and New Zealand Chiefs of Staff depart for Washington, there was agreement it would otherwise be desirable avoid public statement and particularly joint announcement five capitals. FYI: Watt had received same instructions from Canberra as had Spender and had replied as above. End FYI.
Eden will have to refer to London in view of questions which last sentence of text may raise as to whether UK has agreed to wider conversations and if so, on what basis. It was recognized that Bidault had most serious problem and that his views, which we will not be able to obtain until morning, should be given major weight.
Subject to change as result of London’s or Bidault’s views in morning, consensus was that there should not be simultaneous announcement in five capitals but that each should talk from text given in reference telegram as and when necessary to prevent or counteract press speculation. I think best thing possible would be to say nothing and just let things happen.