Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation, by the Secretary of State
Secretary Dulles’ telephone call to Ambassador Lodge (in New York), 9:55 a.m. today:
Dulles: The President said he thinks you should let the British and French know that if they take independent line backing Guatemalan move in this matter, it would mean we would feel entirely free without regard to their position in relation to any such matters as any of their colonial problems in Egypt, Cyprus, etc.
If they feel they can take independent line, the counterpart will be that they must consider that we will be free equally to be independent when any of the matters such as North Africa, Middle East, etc., come up before the UN.
Lodge: I will do that.
Dulles: He (the President) wanted to avoid making it in the form of a threat. But make it a clear understanding that if they don’t take into account our needs and considerations in this matter, it will be a two-way street, and they must accept it.
Lodge: Yes, I see. It’s a terrible thing. I will get this to them. Will determine just when and how to do it.
Dulles: Use your own judgment as to time.
Lodge: If there is open split between British and French, Russians will be very much pleased. But we cannot put off meeting much longer.
Dulles: Guatemala itself, as I understand it, is violating the terms of the Charter—Article 53(2), I think. The whole status of regional organizations is at stake in this particular matter. That was the thing we fought for (Vandenberg and I) at San Francisco. The whole concept is being destroyed.
[Page 1185]Lodge: No question about it. At the same time, I will have to have a meeting, probably tomorrow. If the British and French persist, we will have an open split. I will try to keep agenda from being adopted. Don’t have to invite Guatemala to the table. I put it to the Frenchman this morning, and he didn’t like it at all. Thank you very much—I will be guided accordingly.