751G.00/4–1654: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
3921. Repeated information Saigon 443. Pass Defense and JCS. Limited distribution. Reference Embassy telegram 3897 to Department repeated Saigon 440.1 In tripartite conversations April 15 French discussed further their tentative views (paragraph 4 reference telegram) re desirability approaching Indochina problem at Geneva on military plane first. As possible first move this direction and one designed limit ultimate consideration Indochina problem to Vietnam, French indicated that they considering possibility proposing that Viet Minh withdraw from Laos and Cambodia and offering in return that French Union forces withdraw entirely from Cambodia and from all of Laos except bases of Xieng Khouang and Seno provided for in [Page 526] Franco-Laotian treaty. They emphasized that French Union forces could be moved by air within little more than hour to any point endangered in Laos in event Royal Army unable cope situation.
French preliminary thinking this connection takes line that Laniel’s March conditions for cease-fire2 would probably be viewed by Communist representatives at Geneva as too harsh and as representing terms of victor and therefore do not permit sufficient latitude for negotiating purposes and in exploring Communist position at Geneva. Hence, French apparently contemplating possibility attempting secure psychological initiative by first offering disengage Laos and Cambodia from Indochina military scene and then moving on to consideration possibility achieving cease-fire Vietnam.
We raised number general questions including nature controls required, effect of withdrawal French Union forces on general military situation, opportunities for Communist subversive activities resulting from such withdrawal, et cetera. We pointed out that in effect new proposal, if made, would represent change from Laniel proposals which called for withdrawal of Viet Minh from Laos and Cambodia without any French Union withdrawal. British did not seem too concerned at practical aspects and expressed thought that it might at least give French talking point initiative in negotiating process.
French said question could only be explored further on basis French military study now promised for April 20 or 21. They stated privately that they assumed proposal would be unacceptable to Communists.
It was emphasized that project was in preliminary stage only and in no sense represented French proposal as yet. Urged that be treated on secret basis for obvious reasons.