396.1 GE/5–654: Telegram
Achilles–Allen–Chauvel Meeting, Geneva, May 6, Morning: The United States Delegation to the Department of State
Secto 124. Repeated information Paris 212, London 131. At this morning’s Chauvel–Allen–Achilles meeting, Chauvel asked reactions [Page 701] to French proposal (Secto 106, May 5, repeated information Paris 201, London 121, Saigon 331):
Allen stated British thinking in general agreement French proposal along right lines and hoped it would be presented at outset of Indochina discussions as clear cut proposal which would capture headlines. British feared that if Bidault spoke only in general terms, Communist bloc would present concise proposal which would take headlines and leave West in position of trying to formulate counterproposal. Chauvel recognized importance of French obtaining initiative insofar as public concerned and said he would urge Bidault to table short and specific proposal.
In his response to question as to United States attitude, Achilles said this depended on Washington, since current instructions were that anything short of complete victory unacceptable. We would need precise French proposal soonest. Delegation liked French insistence armistice be concluded only under satisfactory safeguards, which implied time for strengthening Western position in Southeast Asia, but frankly feared pressures in France for earlier agreement to unsatisfactory armistice. Chauvel recognized this danger, but felt immediate future most critical time and that if we survived (1) tomorrow’s confidence vote, (2) commit attempt to extend possible Dien Bien Phu truce into general cease-fire, and (3) fall of Dien Bien Phu, we would have several months during rainy season when pressure of French opinion would be less than in recent weeks, or at present time.