The Pentagon Papers
Gravel Edition
Volume 1
Document 74, Telegram from Secretary of State Dulles to Ambassador Dillon on
the Negotiations in Geneva, 7 July 1954, pp. 546-47
July 7, 1954
SENT TO: Amembassy PARIS 77
Re EMBTEL 50
We see no real conflict between paragraphs 4 and 5 US-UK terms. We realize of
course that even agreement which appears to meet all seven points cannot constitute
guarantee that Indochina will not one day pass into Communist hands. Seven points
are intended provide best chance that this shall not happen. This will require
observance of criteria not merely in the letter but in the spirit. Thus since
undoubtedly true that elections might eventually mean unification Vietnam under
Ho Chi Minh this makes it all more important they should be only held as long
after cease-fire agreement as possible and in conditions free from intimidation
to give democratic elements best chance. We believe important that no date should
be set now and especially that no conditions should be accepted by French which
would have direct or indirect effect of preventing effective international supervision
of agreement ensuring political as well as military guarantees. Also note paragraph
3 of President and Prime Minister joint declaration of June 29 regarding QTE
unity through free elections supervised by the UN UNQTE.
Our interpretation of willingness QTE respect UNQTE agreement which might be reached is that we would not (repeat not) oppose a settlement which conformed to seven points contained Deptel 4853. It does not (repeat not) of course mean we would guarantee such settlement or that we would necessarily support it publicly. We consider QTE respect UNQTE as strong a word as we can possibly employ in the circumstances to indicate our position with respect to such arrangements as French may evolve along lines points contained DEPTEL 4853. QTE respect UNQTE would also mean that we would not seek directly or indirectly to upset settlement by force.
You may convey substance above to French.
DULLES
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