396.1 BE/2–854: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy at Saigon1
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1410. Limit distribution. In effort counteract Soviet proposal at Berlin for Five-Power Conference, which Eden and Bidault would have greatest difficulty rejecting outright, Secretary has worked out with them proposal for conferences on Korea and Indochina. Proposal, to be presented at restricted Berlin session Feb 8, states US, UK, USSR, France agree invite ROK, such other countries providing armed forces to UNC as may desire participate, Chinese Communists and North Koreans meet with them to settle Korean question. Also states as soon as Chinese Communist actions at Korea conference and in Southeast Asia provide proofs their spirit of peace, Four Powers will settle by common agreement conditions for Indochina conference. Precise wording on Indochina not yet firm.
Secretary has stressed to UK and French importance West avoiding any action in Berlin indicating we panicky over Indochina situation, which might reduce French chances negotiate advantageously, or which would undermine French will to resist. Conditions for Indochina [Page 1023] conference included in Four Power proposal directed to this end. You are informed foregoing in strict confidence to enable you more accurately state our position in event matter becomes public.
- Drafted by Popper of UNP.↩