396.1 GE/6–1954: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Department of State
Dulte 199. Re Tedul 2211 and 222.2 I suggest that instead of withdrawing basic instructions they be amended as of this date to effect that those who continue at Geneva shall take no substantive positions except pursuant to specific instructions which may be given from time to time. Suggest this has advantage of showing continuity of policy approved by President at same time giving additional protection that [Page 1199] no substantive position will hereafter be taken except pursuant to specific instructions. Believe your supplement to Tedul 221 does not affect suggestion made above.3
- Dated June 18, p. 1189.↩
- Telegram Tedul 222, June 18, read: “Supplementing Tedul 221, five-power staff report suggesting Thakhek-Donghoi line, coupled with rapid Delta deterioration, is leading us to reexamine possible de facto partition Vietnam.” (396.1 GE/6–1854)↩
- Acting Secretary Murphy in telegram Tedul 224, June 19, replied to Under Secretary Smith (with reference to telegram Dulte 199) as follows: “As Secretary will not be available until June 22 your message will be brought to his attention then. Decision in Tedul 221 taken by him personally.” (396.1 GE/6–1954) Ambassador Johnson, Head of the Delegation upon Smith’s departure for the United States on June 20, replied in Secto 486, June 20, with reference to Tedul 221 and Dulte 199 that “after discussion with Under Secretary, I propose unless otherwise instructed support as desirable substantive positions thus far taken by USDel with respect to composition and functions international control commissions. It is likely next few meetings will be devoted this subject.” (396.1 GE/6–2054)↩