751G.00/7–1754: Telegram
The Ambassador at Saigon (Heath) to the Department of State
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220. Repeated information Geneva 48, Paris 87, Hanoi unnumbered. Cerles, Diplomatic Counselor to French Commissioner General, informs me that last night General Ely telegraphed Mendes-France in strongest terms urging him that partition line be fixed at 18th Parallel. Ely stated that a line drawn at 16th Parallel would present gravest military problems since the only practical road to Laos, RC–19, would be in Viet Minh hands, as well as the all-important airport and port of Tourane and the whole flank of Laos would be exposed. Apart from military considerations the political effects of the line below 18th Parallel would be extremely grave. Cerles expressed hope that our government would also insist on 18th Parallel. He went on to say that he was convinced by his own observation at Geneva Conference that the Communist delegation, after bargaining, would accept that line.
That is my own belief and Embassy feels strongly that any line below that point would be disastrous. Department will recall from my telegram 214 of July 16 that Ngo Dinh Diem says he would reject any “demarcation line” below 18th Parallel.