396.1 GE/6–1754: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of State

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Dulte 189. Eyes only Secretary from Under Secretary. Because of possibilities mentioned in last paragraph Dulte 186,1 Robertson, Phleger and I believe and recommend that it would be desirable for Heath also to remain Geneva for a while after we leave. This for morale effect on Laotian and Cambodian delegations, as well as on Vietnamese. These little people are likely to feel that they are being deserted in what for them is crisis if Heath leaves now. Actual length of his stay would depend on situation as estimated by Johnson and decided by you. Do not think it would be more than ten days. Request your approval.

Also urgently request your opinion whether I should stop en route for call or lunch with Churchill. He has sent me three invitations for weekends, two by personal phone calls, and he phoned again last night implying that he thought Eden had interfered. I took this as a joke, but Eden said it was not, and urged me to stop in London. I would prefer not to do so, both on considerations of personal convenience which can be disregarded, and also British press, and I do not want to be quoted there before having made whatever report is required at home. Associates here think I should do so.

Just had report Eden probably will not leave today.

Smith
  1. Dated June 16, p. 1165.