480. Diary Entry by the Ambassador to Germany (Bruce)0
I had no opportunity to revert to what I discussed with Chris when I was last in Geneva,1 namely, my estimate of a deterioration in the Western position. At that time the Secretary seemed to be in accord with [Page 1057] this view and was giving serious thought to breaking off the meetings. In this I think he would have had Couve’s support, but obviously, as has been made all too apparent in public statements, the British Government is resolved to go on with these proceedings and to try to obtain a summit conference regardless of the lack of progress at Geneva.
Gromyko, viewing the differences between the U.S. and British viewpoints, has wisely contented himself by saying as little as possible and, when he is forced to be articulate, merely repeating what he has uttered on previous occasions. He is waiting, I think, for the Western crack to widen. It may be that when the House of Commons recesses the end of this week and Nixon has a last talk next Saturday with Khrushchev, the lines can be definitively drawn between East and West. Meanwhile, I only hope the Western Foreign Ministers will limit their statements and, under no conditions, make any new proposals. Once again, the Soviets have demonstrated the advisability of patience. To my mind, the Western position is being eroded in the process and the sooner there is a conclusion the better.