396.1 GE/5–754: Telegram
Achilles–Allen–Chauvel Meeting, Geneva, May 7, Morning: The United States Delegation to the Department of State
Secto 134. Repeated information Paris 216, London 133. Re Secto 124 May 6 repeated Paris 212 and London 131.1 At this morning’s Chauvel meeting, he reported Bidault had withdrawn objections to UK-USSR alternating in chair. It was agreed Eden should informally advise Molotov to that effect and at same time seek latter’s agreement to Eden chairing the first meeting. In view French difficulties in getting Cabinet approval of their position, they are anxious that no Indochina meeting be held before Monday at earliest and Eden will suggest this to Molotov on grounds Bidault may have to return to Paris for weekend and that Laotian and Cambodian heads of delegations arriving only Sunday. While three delegates would like to postpone beginning of substantive Indochina discussion as long as possible, it was recognized that in view of fighting at Dien Bien Phu and elsewhere it would not look well to have first meeting adjourn after merely brief procedural discussion. Furthermore, French felt that at first meeting they must say something about truce for evacuation of wounded which would presumably touch off substantive discussion from Communist side.
French wish to speak first and their request to that effect to Eden as chairman considered already filed. French hope to be able to table their specific proposal then. They reported Vietnamese not certain whether they would prefer to speak before or after Viet Minh and subsequent [Page 710] batting order accordingly left open with expectation US and UK will not speak until after at least one Communist speech.
Secretariat for Indochina phase was discussed, with French proposing their present Deputy, Paul-Boncour, head secretariat for Indochina phase. Allen and Achilles recognized French interest but hoped present secretariat could be kept intact (since it appears technically feasible to separate expenses incurred for each phase). We understood Paul-Boncour much less capable than Kural. Allen proposed secretariat be kept intact with Kural as Secretary General but delegating responsibility to his Deputy, Paul-Boncour, for Indochina phase. This would be discussed further but we would like to have Kural retain substantive charge of secretariat for Indochina phase with minimum substantive delegation of responsibility to Paul-Boncour.
It was agreed it would be desirable to have meeting of heads of six delegates late Sunday.