751G.00/10–1953: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Achilles) to the Department of State
1523. Vidal this morning underlined difficulties in Cabinet of which Bidault spoke to Secretary (Secto 27)1 from group advocating negotiations. [Page 837] He said action of Vietnam Congress now being exploited by this group along line that military victory would require long time and additional forces which could not be sent, that France was receiving little help and much ingratitude from Vietnamese and had nothing tangible to expect from victory even if it were possible. Group, therefore, clamoring more insistently for some form of five-power negotiation. He said Laniel was determined to continue his present policy in Indochina but that this group was making his task increasingly difficult.
- Telegram Secto 27 from London, Oct. 18, summarized a meeting between Secretary Dulles and Foreign Minister Bidault which occurred on the afternoon of Oct. 16. A variety of issues were discussed. The telegram indicated that “Bidault said he will continue to hold line in cabinet re Indochina but he has problem because two elements within cabinet who wish to negotiate.” For text of Secto 27, see volume v.↩