396.1 GE/6–2354: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of State

secret
priority

Secto 511. Limit distribution. With reference my Secto 5121 it seems to me situation is clearly moving rapidly toward Franco-Viet Minh agreement on respective zones of occupation under cease-fire, with almost complete lack of agreement on supervision. When agreement [Page 1229] on zones reached, French pressures for effecting cease-fire are likely be so strong as to force virtual French capitulation to Communist views on supervision.

Must recognize Communist proposals on supervision very closely parallel those in effect in Korea, and French likely take view that they cannot prolong fighting obtain better terms than UNC agreed to in Korea in spite of differing situations. I am concerned over this situation and believe we should do all possible during this interregnum to forestall it, as well as not give French any grounds for accusing us of having prevented progress.

I therefore believe that we should generally be flexible on technical and procedural suggestions of French while reiterating and maintaining our position on basic substantive principles.

I think it very important that French have ready for use at an appropriate time a fully developed draft agreement on control so they are not at last minute maneuvered into position of being forced to work from a detailed Communist draft. I plan to discuss this with Chauvel tomorrow and attempt make arrangements for Colonel Dwan establish close liaison with French experts so as obtain clearer insight into French thinking and give us opportunity make suggestions.

Would appreciate any suggestions Department may have concerning other lines of action we might take.2

Johnson
  1. Infra.
  2. The Department of State in telegram Tosec 485, June 25, repeated to Paris as telegram 4828, replied as follows: “Agree with your analysis and reaffirm belief control commission should be provided by UN or alternatively by Colombo Powers. You should reiterate this to Chauvel and on every appropriate occasion warn him against any agreement which would place Communist satellite state on control commission. Agree French should have draft agreement prepared preferably along lines consistent with our position. However we should not participate in preparing draft.” (396.1 GE/6–2354)