396.1 GE/5–354
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Technical Secretary of the United States Delegation (Van Hollen)
Participants:
- The Secretary
- The Under Secretary
- Mr. Robertson
- Ambassador Johnson
- Mr. Phleger
- Mr. Young
Subject:
- Guidance on Korea and Indochina Phases of Geneva Conference
[Here follows the initial portion of the conversation dealing with the Korean phase of the Geneva Conference; for the text, see page 182.]
Indochina Phase
Participation—Turning to the question of the Indochina Phase, the Secretary said that he understood that while our initial position was that there should be nine participants (US, UK, USSR, France, the three Associated States, Communist China, and Viet Minh), the question of additional participants should be dealt with by the conference itself at a later stage. It was particularly important, therefore, that Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines not be given a complete rebuff at the onset, and that the door be left open for their later participation. The Secretary recalled that he had assured the Philippines that, in the event the participation exceeded nine countries, he would raise the question of Philippine attendance. It was likewise agreed that the participation of Australia and Thailand might also be raised at the later stage in the Conference, particularly in view of their proposed participation in the “united action” effort in Southeast Asia.
Chairmanship—The Secretary commented that some consideration had been given to the possibility of asking either Prince Wan or Mr. Pearson to assume the permanent chairmanship of the Indochina phase of the Conference. Pearson had already been approached about this possibility and had indicated that, while his government probably would not be enthusiastic about his assuming such a position, they would probably go along.
The Secretary explained, however, that he had deliberately worded his resolution of April 261 recommending rotation of the chairmanship among Prince Wan, Eden, and Molotov in such a fashion that the same rotating chairmanship pattern could be retained through the entire Conference rather than through the Korean phase alone. The Secretary then read from the Communiqué of the Berlin meeting and pointed out that the words “the conference” cited in that communiqué referred to a single conference at Geneva rather than two separate conferences. Therefore, he recommended that the US adhere to the rotation of chairmanship among Prince Wan, Eden and Molotov with the understanding that if Thailand were not a participant in the Indochina phase Prince Wan could attend sessions as an observer on those days when he was not in the chair.