396.1 GE/7–1154: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Department of State
Secto 586. Repeated information Paris 6, Saigon 23. In course of conversation yesterday, Bonsal asked Chauvel how he envisaged negotiation of political settlement following achievement of cessation of hostilities. Chauvel replied that French delegation would insist on maintaining separation between military and political problems. In the declaration which conference may issue at time of agreement on cessation of hostilities, Chauvel envisages only general references to political principles (territorial integrity, unity, democratic processes, et cetera). Question of negotiating political settlement would be entrusted by conference to parties with request that they report back to conference at a later date. He did not make clear who parties would be or what role French would expect to play in negotiation between Democratic Republic of Vietnam on one hand and on other State of Vietnam, an independent member of French Union. We will explore this matter further and would appreciate any views Department may wish to express.