751G.5/4–554: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
priority
3482. Eyes only for Ambassador from Secretary. As I personally explained to Ely in presence of Radford, it is not possible for US to commit belligerent acts in Indochina without full political understanding with France and other countries. In addition, Congressional action would be required. After conference at highest level, I must confirm this position. US is doing everything possible as indicated my 51752 to prepare public, Congressional and Constitutional basis for united action in Indochina. However, such action is impossible except on coalition basis with active British Commonwealth participation. Meanwhile US prepared, as has been demonstrated, to do everything short of belligerency.
FYI US cannot and will not be put in position of alone salvaging British Commonwealth interests in Malaya, Australia and New Zealand. This matter now under discussion with UK at highest level.
- Drafted by the Secretary of State. Secretary Dulles transmitted the text of this telegram to London for Ambassador Aldrich in telegram 5181, Apr. 5. (751G.5/4–554)↩
- See footnote 1, p. 1225.↩