228. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1
17. 1. Three delegations have discussed what positions to take at Geneva in case Russians raise Vietnamese elections or other Indo-Chinese issues, which is probable.2 In order allay any Vietnamese fears substantive decisions being made here or Geneva without their knowledge, and to encourage Diem issue statement on elections, believe it might be helpful if on behalf three delegations you inform Diem three Ministers agreed today on following position if Russians raise these matters:
- (a)
- We should avoid discussion of Indo-China at Geneva.
- (b)
- We should oppose any Soviet proposal for 5-power conference on Indo-China or any reconvening of the Geneva Conference of 1954.
- (c)
- If Russians press strongly for discussion of any Vietnamese question at Geneva, we will reply we should leave discussions to be conducted via normal channels: with Vietnamese Government by Western powers and with Viet Minh by Soviets.
2. At same time you should take occasion tell Diem we believe it will help Western position at Geneva if he issues declaration on elections before July 18, inasmuch as we still seek at Geneva protect Vietnam’s position in event Russians raise issues concerning Geneva Accords. If he does not make statement, we will face more difficult task in heading Russians off.
3. Inform UK and French reps.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/7–1555. Secret. Repeated for information to London and to the Department as Secto 12; the Department copy is the source text. Dulles and Young were members of the U.S. Delegation to the tripartite talks in Paris preparatory to the Four-Power Geneva Summit Conference, July 18–25.↩
- Text of the draft positon paper on Indochina, as prepared by the Indochina sub-committee of the working group entrusted with preparation of agreed tripartite positions for Geneva, is in telegram 187 from Paris, July 12. (Ibid., 396.1–GE/7–1255)↩