396.1 GE/5–854: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of State

secret
niact

Secto 142. Repeated information niact Paris 221, niact Saigon 40. Re Dulte 54, Paris 220.1 Chauvel states Bidault last night obtained [Page 730] from Laniel firm instructions he sought and is accordingly anxious to have initial Indochina meeting today in effort to fix French opinion as quickly as possible. Translation of proposal he expects to table (Secto 143, repeated Paris 222, Saigon 41) being separately telegraphed niact.2

We have made clear United States not in position to express any substantive views today and French fully understand and do not mind.

Head of Laotian delegation is here and Cambodian Ambassador Washington has agreed take their seat. On Vietnamese side, Dac Khe is here and he is reluctant to attend in absence senior members his delegation but French trust they can persuade him to do so.

Smith
  1. Dated May 8, p. 712.
  2. Infra.