396.1 GE/3–1754: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
3402. Repeated information Moscow 272, London 787. In what may be beginning of Neutralist and Leftist campaign to charge that US will endeavor postpone or call off Geneva conference on any possible pretext as result reluctance make necessary concessions Communist China, Leftist and Communist press slant Secretary’s reported statement to press at Washington yesterday to effect Geneva conference might possibly be delayed as result dilatory tactics on part of Soviets and Chinese Communists as follows:
Leftist Combat headlines its comments “Asiatic Conference Would be Postponed at Eequest USA” and states that it is not a question of any differences between Moscow and Peking but question of who will first pay “agreed price”, i.e., will France ratify EDC before US makes concessions Peking in view ending IC war or will US make concessions in hope Parliament will ratify EDC? Secretary Dulles “in waving bogey of postponement” risks casting aside carefully drafted French timetable.
Communist Humanité states Secretary has confessed openly will of leaders at Washington to sabotage Geneva conference and, if possible, prevent its convocation. “This is what Secretary meant in saying that it was conceivable that Geneva conference might be delayed beyond April 26.”