751G.5/10–153: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
1325. Repeated information Saigon 123. September 30 AP report quoted Foreign Office spokesman as saying “France will never negotiate with Communists for a settlement of war in Indochina without participation US.”
Above discussed with Royere, Roux’s deputy, today who states AP report not an exact reproduction of what chief Foreign Office press section stated press yesterday. Latter intended convey thought that US would be consulted prior French engaging in any possible future discussions with Viet Minh looking toward conclusion of hostilities in Indochina.
In elaborating this point, Royere took position that this Foreign Office statement to press in no way intended modify present French determination do utmost implement Navarre Plan and increase strength Franco-Associated States position Indochina. However, since Foreign Office believes that eventually settlement of hostilities in Indochina through some agreement with Viet Minh and/or Chinese Communists will be necessitated as was case in Korea, it intends seek international consultation prior engaging any conversations with adversary. In addition consultation US and possibly Great Britain beforehand, Foreign Office envisages some form international participation in any eventual discussions along comparable but not necessarily similar lines as Korean political conference.
In response question, Royere stated (above) Foreign Office press comment not in reference to possible parallel conversations with Soviets and Chinese Communists which might take place at time Korean political conference since these would be of exploratory nature only and Foreign Office has no idea what if anything might come of such talks. However, intend consult US re such conversations if held as well.
Royere wished emphasize French not concurrently considering any possible conversations with Viet Minh re conclusion hostilities in Indochina.1
- In despatch 1046 from Paris, Oct. 15, 1953, the Embassy provided a detailed analysis of French policy objectives in Indochina, including extensive discussion of the French position regarding the possibility of settlement by means of negotiations. (751G.00/10–1553)↩