Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Austrian State Treaty; Summit and Foreign Ministers Meetings, 1955, Volume V

295. Telegram From the Delegation at the Tripartite Foreign Ministers Meetings to the Department of State¹

Paris, October 25, 1955—midnight.

Secto 27. Secretary and Macmillan October 25 agreed US and UK would seek conclude Geneva meeting by November 19 when Macmillan plans proceed Baghdad. Secretary recalled New York agreement with Molotov² that meeting would last three weeks more or less and said by November 19 we would have time reach agreement on principles if Soviets mean business. Macmillan said if clear no agreement on Germany possible, prolongation Geneva Conference likely do more harm than good. Secretary agreed, commenting we need ponder, if things go badly, what net impression we wish leave on world opinion. Is Geneva spirit still blooming, or is another look necessary? Macmillan agreed this very important.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/10–2555. Secret. Drafted by Russell and cleared with MacArthur and Merchant. Repeated to London.
2. A memorandum of the three Western Foreign Ministers conversation with Molotov in New York on September 27 is ibid., Conference Files: Lot 60 D 627, CF 551.