NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
SECRET
-2- SECTO 632, July 17, 7 p.m, from Geneva.
At Eden's suggestion, Mendes-France summarized main outstanding problems A) demarcation line for Vietnam; (B) elections, and (c) control arrangements. Concerning demarcation line, he said French had proposed line near 18th parallel whereas Viet Minh proposed 16th parallel. On elections in Vietnam, he said question was whether to fix firm date now (repeat now) (Soviets had proposed June 1955) or whether, as French proposed, to settle now (repeat now) only manner in which date would be set. Elections in Laos and Cambodia already provided for in constitutions for August and September 1955, respectively. On control, he said main questions were: Whether there should be one commission or three, composition, voting, execution of commssions' recommendations, and freedom of movement for inspection teams.
Molotov added to outstanding issues: (D) time required for regrouping (French have proposed 380 days and Soviets 6 months) and (E) prevention of importation of new arms and military personnel subject to certain exceptions for Los and Cambodia, prohibition of foreign military bases, and prohibition of military alliances by three states.
Eden added (F) question of regroupment areas for resistance forces in Laos.
Discussion then turned to substantive issues:
(A) Elections in Vietnam. Molotov said conference should fix date for elections. He conceded more flexible formula might be found than firm date of June 1955 previously proposed by Soviets and suggested agreement merely that elections be held during 1955 with precise date to be fixed by Vietnamese and Viet Minh authorities.
Mendes-France argued that it would be imprudent to fix date as early as he end of 1955. He suggested two ways or providing necessary flexibility in arrangements: Date for elections might be fixed after completion of regrouping; or exact date might be fixed now (repeat now) and international control commission be given authority to advance date if necessary.
Eden supported Mendes-France on need for flexibility and suggested that two parts of Vietnam fix date after completion of regrouping. Mendes-France agreed to consider, this suggestion, but Molotov continued to urge elections during 1955.
SECRET
