396.1 GE/5–554: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Department of State
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Secto 105. Repeated information priority Paris 200. Chauvel summoned Achilles and Dennis Allen this morning to state that French Parliamentary situation was serious both for government and Bidault personally and that Bidault might have to return there tonight. He would decide after talking to Falaize who was returning from Paris this afternoon. In this situation Bidault felt it important to make beginning on Indochina phase as soon as possible, preferably by routine organization meeting tomorrow with no substantive discussion before next week. He understood Cambodian and Laotian Ambassadors in Washington had reached Paris last night and assumed delegations from all three Associated States could be here tomorrow. French could not be in position of dragging feet should Russians propose meeting tomorrow. Chauvel has appointment with Gromyko for four this afternoon to discuss chairmanship and opening date.1 On chairmanship, he would again propose three existing chairmen continue throughout conference but suggested that as second choice we propose Prince Wan in individual capacity as single chairman for Indochina phase. French would not agree to rotation on 50–50 basis.