396.1 GE/7–1154: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of State

secret

Secto 589. Repeated information Paris 39, Saigon 24, London 16. Reference first paragraph Tosec 529, repeated information Paris 124, Saigon 121, London 190.1 I today reiterated to Chauvel great importance we attach to effective international control and its full equality, along with other six points in United States–United Kingdom note. I stated that I was concerned at considerable gap developing between French and United States thinking on this subject. I said that I had fully reported development French thinking this regard and reasons underlying it, but had no indication it had, or would, cause any changes in views United States Government on essential principles.

[Page 1335]

Chauvel said he fully understood United States views, but that French were increasingly of opinion that too rigid and too effective controls would operate to their disadvantage by limiting their freedom of action. I said I could understand this point, but that question would be which side would make most use of freedom of action.

Chauvel said that at Mendes-France dinner with Molotov last night, discussion centered entirely around “lines”, Molotov pointing out strength of Viet Minh in three provinces south of Faifo and French bringing up importance to them of road communications into Laos which apparently led Molotov to suggest possibility of what Chauvel termed “tiger stripe” arrangement, which was rejected by French.

Mendes-France suggested to Molotov that there not be any conference meetings for next two or three days pending results of private talks to be held during that period. Molotov said he was agreeable, but would consult with others.

Mendes-France is seeing Dong this afternoon and is lunching with Eden tomorrow.

Johnson
  1. Dated July 10, p. 1324.