39. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the Secretary of State and the Director of Central Intelligence (Dulles), Washington, April 29, 1955, 2:42 p.m.1

The Sec. asked if he has any interest in Article 16 of the Austrian Treaty. AWD said yes. The Austrians should not be under compulsion to return the refugees if we can get around it. There is no compulsion as the SEC. reads it. They can send someone over to interrogate them. The Sec. read part to him. The SEC. does not believe they will drop it. AWD said we should get out those who are vulnerable. The Sec. also thinks we should get those out who would be under pressure. AWD asked where do they go—few can get here and not many countries will take them. The Sec. said it provides no relief shall be given to those refusing to go if they fought on the side of the enemy. They agreed we could help them. AWD asked re its affecting people coming over in the future and mentioned the Hungarian Border being opened. The Sec. thought it was applicable only to the present. The SEC. read more. AWD said it could be argued both ways. The Sec. said he was welcome to send someone over for the 5 p.m. mtg.2

[Here follows a brief discussion of command problems in Indochina.]

  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers. Drafted by Phyllis D. Bernau of the Office of the Secretary of State.
  2. Not further identified.