Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 307
The United States Delegation to the Department of Defense
Defense Message Gento 85. For: Sullivan from Dwan. Rptd info: USARMA Saigon. Defense pass State. Ref: Gento 81.1 French Del has circulated additional paragraph under Article 5, Draft Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam, which reads as follows:
“While present agreement is in effect, no military bases of a foreign state shall be established in the regroupment zones of the two sides; [Page 1455] the latter will see to it that their zones are not used for the resumption of hostilities or in the service of an aggressive policy.”
This addition appears to be to advantage of French Union side since it appears aimed directly at possibility of Vietminh using their regroupment zones as bases for further aggression. Prohibition of establishment of foreign bases in regroupment areas not to French Union disadvantage since Delta to be evacuated.