The Pentagon Papers
Gravel Edition
Volume 1
Document 85, Telegram from Secretary of State Dulles Questioning British Position
in the Negotiations, 18 July 1954, p. 563
July 18, 1954
SENT TO: Amconsul GENEVA TOSEC 565 NIACT
FROM SECRETARY FOR UNDER SECRETARY
Does SECTO 637 fourth paragraph mean that Eden has given away position which
Mendes-France took in Paris, namely that he was willing to have Communist state
on Control Commission without veto, or unanimity if no Communist state a member,
but he would not (rpt not) take both a Communist state and unanimity rule?
Your SECTO 639 received. It may be useful for you to bear in mind that Executive has no Constitutional power to give "guarantee." This can only be done by treaty, ratification of which would surely be rejected. Executive can only reaffirm in relation to Indochina its general undertakings expressed in UN Charter.
Am fearful Eden will try to push Mendes-France into agreement far short of 7 Points which will confront us with dilemma of either agreeing to "respect" it or repudiation which might involve our responsibility for breakup. This precisely result which I apprehended and fully discussed with Mendes-France Paris and I must count on him to strive to protect both our countries against consequences of this Communist maneuver which Eden might unwittingly abet.
DULLES
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