751G.00/2–1654: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Achilles) to the Department of State
secret
Paris, February 16, 1954—7
p.m.
2974. Repeated information Saigon 324, Berlin 247. Berlin for USDel. Foreign Office official stated today:
- 1.
- Although Berlin conference may end without agreement being reached on meeting with Communist China at Geneva in April, fact that US, Great Britain and France have agreed in principle on eventual discussion Indochina problem with Communist China provides Bidault with a sufficiently strong position to marshal support for continued exploration this line at Paris. Pursuance this line also permits unhurried approach problem negotiation and thus provides needed time to improve French Union military position Indochina and strengthen Vietnamese national army.
- 2.
- Jacquet, as reflected in recent press articles, has proposed to Council of Ministers elimination office Commissioner General for Indochina on basis it serves no useful purpose and French representation accredited individual states sufficient. However, this personal view Jacquet and impossible as yet tell what Bidault’s and Pleven’s views will be this regard.
Achilles