Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3b.djvu/410

 Rh

Reference SECTO 512

Our position remains that in TOSEC 461.

The imminence of a settlement between Mendes-France and Communists, which in some form will probably be brought before a revived conference for its approval, emphasizes the importance of adhering to these instructions. Otherwise we may be involved in committee work leading to the making of decisions which we might be obliged publicly to disavow.

We should avoid being drawn into the French effort to give conference semblance of vitality by means of a series of committee operations.

FYI Our thinking at present is that our role at Geneva should soon be restricted to that of observer, and now that Lord Reading had departed, you should leave in a few days. Bonsal could continue as chief observer in accord with terms of TEDUL 211. Let us have your views.

Rh

4781