396.1–GE/4–2054: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Bohlen) to the Department of State
niact
1286. Repeated information niact Paris 275, niact London 206. Pass Geneva. At 8 p.m. April 20 Soviet “aide-mémoire” (number 22 OSA) was delivered to Embassy by messenger. Translation is as follows:
“In connection with aide-mémoire to [of] Governments USA, France and England of April 141 regarding question of preparations for convocation Geneva Conference, Soviet Government, in agreement with Government Chinese People’s Republic, considers it necessary to state following:
Decision taken by Ministers Foreign Affairs of four powers at Berlin provides that Geneva Conference shall be conference of representatives USA, France, England, Chinese People’s Republic and USSR taking part in discussion Korean question and question of reestablishment peace in Indochina which are on conference agenda, with participation other interested states for appropriate questions. It therefore, appears expedient, as has already been indicated in USSR’s aide-mémoire of April 5,2 to establish that English, French, Chinese and Russian be among (v-chisle) the official languages during course of whole Geneva Conference. It goes without saying that, during discussion of question of re-establishment peace in Indochina, question of other official languages besides those indicated above can be examined in addition.”