497. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State0
580. Geneva for Secretary. Deptel 765 sent Geneva Tocah 202.1 I called on Prime Minister this morning at his request. He was in relaxed mood and had already received and studied President’s message reftel and had begun to draft reply.
Most significant of his comments to me seemed to be acknowledgment, albeit unenthusiastic, that he now realizes impracticality endeavoring [Page 1098] to prepare for and hold full “summit” meeting prior to September 10. I am not sure, however, that his reply will clearly make this point.
Although, as I expected, he expressed doubts regarding idea of Khrushchev’s meeting meanwhile with President, he believes it important that we press forward with earliest possible announcement regarding “summit” and meanwhile make every effort, before Foreign Ministers’ discussions wind up in Geneva, to take as practical positions as possible, especially in view of invitation outstanding. I did not find his reservations regarding Khrushchev’s meeting with the President very sound, and argued that we would be following in his footsteps and performing service for and with full approval of the Alliance.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1/7–359. Top Secret; Presidential Handling; Limit Distribution.↩
- See Document 493.↩