Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Austrian State Treaty; Summit and Foreign Ministers Meetings, 1955, Volume V

296. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Department of State¹

Geneva, October 26, 1955—11 p.m.

Dulte 15. Eyes only Acting Secretary from Secretary. Re Tedul 13² I told Macmillan that if there was to be anything like a break at Geneva I felt British and French must be well out in front because my position was somewhat weakened by the President’s illness and there was danger that if I was in the lead it would be alleged that this was because the pacific purposes of the President have been abandoned when I acted without his guidance. Macmillan said he recognized this situation and would be prepared, if necessary, to take the lead. However, I question whether in fact Eden will back him up in this respect and also interpretation which will be put on events even though British do initially take the lead.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/10–2655. Top Secret. Drafted by Dulles. After conversations with Macmillan in the morning and Foreign Minister Sharett of Israel in the afternoon, Dulles left Paris at 4:45 p.m., arriving in Geneva at 6:10.
2. See footnote 2, Document 292.