251. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1
3695. Paris pass USRO. Dept has informed UK and French Ambassadors that Secretary strongly opposed tripartite meeting on Middle East prior NATO Ministerial Meeting2 for following reasons: 1) Specific mention ME likely result pressure by Italians, Turks and perhaps other NATO members for inclusion, 2) Any tripartite meeting prior NATO meeting runs risk being interpreted by other NATO nations as effort by three powers reach prior agreed decisions on matters of interest to NATO and hence as prejudicial to NATO Ministerial consultations. However, in accordance usual custom at international conferences, Secretary agreeable tripartite meeting not specifically pinpointed Middle East and to be held after NATO Ministerial Meeting. Morning May 6 suggested. In addition, Secretary would see Pineau afternoon May 2 and Selwyn Lloyd May 3.
British and French also informed we desire no press announcement re tripartite meeting. In event press inquiries, we would reply that in accordance usual practice at international conferences, three Foreign Ministers will undoubtedly find occasion to get together to discuss matters of mutual interest and common concern.
[Page 484]UK Ambassador has already informed Dept foregoing arrangements agreeable with London. French Ambassador thought they were reasonable and promised report them Paris.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1/4–656. Secret. Drafted by Palmer and approved by MacArthur who signed for Dulles. Also transmitted to London.↩
- The NATO Ministerial Meetings were held in Paris on May 4 and 5. According to Secretary Dulles’ Appointment Book, he left Washington on May 1 and returned on May 7. (Princeton University Library, Dulles Papers)↩