310.361/6–2851: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
6897. Now that talks in Moscow and New York have apparently established fact there was something more than bombast to Malik broadcast, FonOff is planning ask Dept whether it agrees do a little preliminary sounding out of Chi Commies and North Koreans. Brit and Indian reps Peiping might jointly ask whether views of USSR as expressed by Malik are also those of CPG, and raise with CPG questions similar to those Amb Kirk asked Gromyko. If CPG reasonably responsive, it might then be asked whether North Koreans similarly disposed toward a truce. If, as anticipated, CPG replies North Koreans shld be consulted direct, there wld still be two alternatives (a) ask USSR approach North Koreans and, given favorable reply, it would be up to Ridgway talk to commanders in field or, as second choice, (b) have SYG Lie make direct attempt get four field commanders together.
FonOff has drafted telegram to Wash along above lines but as of this afternoon, it had not yet been approved by Morrison.
Sent Dept priority 6897 rptd info priority Moscow 206.