NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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396.1-WA/7-1553
III. Negotiations:
This phase conversation took up more time than any other. Decision not to mention this aspect to Press respected so far and obviously should continue be carefully observed in view possible rapid snowball effect.
Bidault at great length developed reasons why negotiating activity in Korea should be paralleled for Indochina. Quote Peace is contagious Unquote, French people would never understand why negotiating was fit and honorable for Korea and not so re Indochina. In particular should there be cease fire in Korea and nothing similar in prospect for Indochina present French Governments situation would become absolutely impossible. Bidault said of course he was not considering any kind negotiation which would result Quote stabbing in back Unquote 530,000 French and Associated States' soldiers now fighting Indochina and spoke vaguely terms of plebiscite after cease fire. In self-defense he said he had given little thought subject as his main preoccupation has been counter those who are advocating negotiations.
While again expressing understanding for French problem Secretary stressed negotiations with no other alternative usually end in capitulation. If Korean negotiations succeed it will probably be because Communists realize we have Quote other and unpleasant measures Unquote available. Therefore he urged French adopt Navarre plan not only for military reasons but because it would improve French negotiating position. He made clear for variety reasons inscription Indo-Chinese item on agenda of a post-Korean armistice political conference would be not only difficult but also inadvisable. Secretary made point of referring fact Korean political talks would be under UN auspices and France had consistently and strongly opposed moves bring up Indochina in UN forum. He did say however if in course of such political talks ways and means develop to contribute toward, honorable political settlement Indochina US would of course do so and we would that time keep in mind possibility negotiations re Indochina in some other form. However Secretary Placed his emphasis extreme perils negotiating when no alternative available.
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