751G.00/7–2354: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva ( Gowen ) to the Department of State
135. For the Under Secretary and pass Defense. Following is substance remarks made by General Deltiel representative of CG French Union forces in military negotiations with Viet Minh to Dwan 22 July at airport prior departure of General Smith.
Deltiel said Mendes-France asked him to make known to General Smith Deltiel’s view about armistice agreements from military point of view but crowded schedule had prevented his doing it personally. He asked his remarks be passed on General Smith.
Deltiel said signature Vietnam and Laos agreements “extremely painful” for him as military man since they represented a partial capitulation. He felt however that terms of agreements were very best that could have been obtained under circumstances. Task now remaining is to strengthen military position in retained Vietnam. This will be complicated by uncooperative attitude Vietnam Government, divided loyalties of indigenous groups specifically Cao Daists and lack of dynamic Vietnam leadership [“] like that of Syngman Rhee”. Deltiel made especially bitter references to Bao Dai for staying away while country in crisis.
As for military demarcation line Deltiel said vicinity 18th parallel and Chalk Hills region only natural defensive position with narrow coastal strip on east and almost impenetrable mountains with few [Page 1549] passes. He held firm in negotiations on this line. Decision to drop to 17th parallel that of Mendes-France. Song Ben Hat River site of present line far less desirable from military point of view.
Three hundred day period for movement into regroupment zones more than adequate for orderly evacuation of delta. Deltiel seemed quite satisfied on this point, saying initial French position consciously high for bargaining purposes. However he expressed serious anxiety over difficulties of disengagement and separation of forces in delta during initial phase. French Union forces must withdraw lines to smaller perimeter at same time Viet Minh now within battle position pass through to outside. Meanwhile possibility further defection Vietnamese National forces is possible, and trouble with population under Viet Minh incitement also a danger.
Some forces withdrawn from delta will be disembarked at Tourane to reinforce demarcation line and northern part regroupment zone, and others at more southern ports.
In response to question whether he thought “Pathet Lao” forces who chose neither to withdraw with Viet Minh nor to be disarmed on the spot would create problem in provinces of Phang Saly and Sam Neua after movement there, Deltiel said he thought they could be handled once disassociated from Viet Minh and provided Viet Minh actually withdrew as required. On this point, as on all provisions agreements, he said, much depends on whether international commission can bring about compliance with terms.