Office of the Historian

396.1 LO/10–1253: Telegram

No. 292
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
secret
niact
Washington, October 12, 1953—8:18 p.m.

1376. Eyes only Ambassador. Eden has invited Bidault and me to come to London for talks. I have accepted and suggested October 16 and 17. Understand Bidault agreed. Coordinated announcement will be made tomorrow in three capitals.

Background on meeting is that some weeks ago and about time we invited Laniel and Bidault to Washington, I also suggested to Eden that it would be useful for me to talk with him as soon as practicable after he resumed duties.2 I suggested he might come to UN which would afford opportunity for exchange of views. This was not feasible. Upon Eden’s return Foreign Office, accumulation of work, Conservative Party conference, and opening Parliament made trip to US impossible and Eden suggested a tripartite meeting [Page 688] take place in London. This meeting continues consultation between three govts, last such instance being July meeting in Washington, on matters common interests.3 It is desirable that we have opportunity discuss entire exchange of notes with USSR and in particular recent reply by USSR to invitation three Western powers for four-power meeting Foreign Ministers to consider urgent problems Germany and Austria.4 In addition, we will review other developments where interests three governments directly affected and discuss ways and means contributing to general relaxation of tensions. Foregoing background will be used in briefing press when announcement made.

Since this meeting was arranged at Eden’s request on very short notice, there will obviously not be time for extensive type of preparation which preceded tripartite meeting last July and therefore do not expect this meeting to result in spectacular decisions on various problems discussed. Rather it will afford opportunity for general exchange of views which will be helpful in further consideration of issues confronting us. Since the larger the meeting the more the press will be tempted to build it up out of all proportion, I intend to take with me from Dept only one or at most two advisors so as to keep meeting as small and informal as possible. In circumstances, I think it best for you not to plan to attend but to keep yourself available to come to London on short notice if needed. I will of course keep you fully informed of discussions by cable.

Dulles
  1. Drafted by W.J. Galloway of the Counselor’s Office, cleared with Secretary Dulles and initialed for him by MacArthur. Also sent to Bonn and repeated to Paris.↩
  2. Regarding the background to the meeting, see the editorial note, supra.↩
  3. Reference to the Foreign Ministers meetings, held at Washington, July 10–14, 1953.↩
  4. Document 271.↩