751G.00/6–1954: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of Defense

secret

Army Message Gento 64. To State & OSD for action; info USARMA Paris, USARMA Saigon, USARMA London. For Hensel from Sullivan. Following is summary French-Vietnam military talks with Viet Minh 18 June reported to Defense representative by member French delegation:

1.
Meeting lasted 20 minutes and was devoted to signing joint summary of meetings to date. Talks still marking time while French and Vietnam representatives “await instructions” from their new governments.
2.
Comment: (a) French delegate contact appeared to expect principal delegates can reach agreement soon on military talks in Laos and Cambodia. French delegate is discussing this question with Laos and Cambodian delegates in effort to reach common position. French delegate contact said Cambodians prefer not to have French representative on their side in military talks, but he believes they will agree to accept a French officer as advisor to Cambodian chiefs of delegation, (b) Next meeting 21 June.