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Re DULTE 156.

Numbered paragraph 1 Reftel. We would be interested any specific ideas Bidault might propose with view simplifying request to other nations, so long they meet basic conditions that US will not (repeat not) intervene alone. Until we have full agreement, at least in principle, with French on conditions US military participation there would be no actual negotiations with other interested nations. So far we have kept them generally informed concerning current discussions in Paris and have obtained their tentative views. We would seek firm views once French authoritatively tell us they want to internationalize the Indochina War. Meanwhile, UK views are well known and soundings indicate, almost certainly, New Zealand and probably Australia would not (repeat not) participate without UK. Our soundings indicate Thailand and Philippines would most likely come along.

Numbered paragraph 3. We agree undesirable President should make formal pledge unilaterally and refer you paragraph 2 Deptel 4272, repeated Geneva TOSEC 269, which stressed joint character any such pledge. President would necessarily deal with independence question in any request to Congress for authorization use US forces for combat in Indochina.

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