NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
SECRET
| Control: | 7473 |
| Rec'd: | July 17, 1954 |
| 3 p.m. |
| FROM: | Geneva |
| TO: | Secretary of State |
| NO: | SECTO 632, July 17, 7 p.m. |
SENT DEPARTMENT SECTO 632; REPEATED INFORMATION PARIS 79, SAIGON 50.
Following account of Mendes-France-Eden-Molotov meeting last night is based on report of this meeting to Foreign Office made available to Johnson by Caccia. This telegram expands upon and supersedes preliminary account transmitted in first three paragraphs SECTO 630 (repeated information Paris 76, Saigon 48).
At Eden's suggestion, French enumerated documents before conference:
(A) Armistice agreements to be signed by local commanders-in-chief. French have prepared drafts for Vietnam and Laos and Cambodians draft for Cambodia. Viet Minh delegation preparing counter draft for Vietnam.
(B) Control arrangements. French have circulated papers for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
(C) Political arrangements. After having seen military documents, certain delegations might make unilateral statements. For example, Laos and Cambodia are preparing statements on their willingness to limit their armed forces. Conference as whole would then agree upon common statement taking note of military agreements and unilateral declarations. French have circulated draft of such statement. Soviets have prepared counter draft and French second redraft.
French explained that if conference did not (repeat not) have time to agree on all details of armistice, it might approve only parts providing for cessation of hostilities and first stage of regroupment. Remaining aspects of agreements could be covered by statement of general principles for guidance of experts who would work out details after conference had dispersed.
It was agreed that British, French, and Soviet experts would meet July 17 to consider various drafts.
SECRET
