The Pentagon Papers
Gravel Edition
Volume 1
Document 90, Telegram from Walter Bedell Smith to Secretary of State Dulles
on the Conference Declaration, 19 July 1954, pp. 567-68.
FROM: Geneva
TO: Secretary of State
NO: SECTO 669, July 19, 8 p.m.
FOR THE SECRETARY FROM THE UNDER SECRETARY
I had long talk with Mendes-France this afternoon, as I told you. He urgently
asked that we expand our proposed unilateral declaration so as take note not
(repeat not) only of agreements between military commands, but also take note
of paragraphs one to nine proposed conference declaration. (See SECTOs 628 and
647). I made it clear that we could under no circumstances associate ourselves
with conference declaration even though it is anticipated it will be only conference
document and not signed agreement, nor could we note or otherwise imply any
acquiescence in or approval of paragraph 10 which provides for consultation
among conference members on questions transmitted to them by international control
commissions.
Text of declaration not yet agreed between French and Communists, but I am transmitting immediately by following telegram French estimate probable final text. I am also transmitting teYts of unilateral statements to which Laos and Cambodia have agreed which are referred to in paragraph 4 draft declaration and draft French unilateral declaration referred to in paragraph 8.
French position is this conference declaration is integral part of agreements
reached at conference and they will be sorely disappointed if we simply disassociate
ourselves from declaration without even taking note in same manner as with respect
to cease-fire agreements. I recommend that I be authorized amend our proposed
declaration (Annex B my instructions) by inserting a brief addition taking note
of paragraphs one to nine of conference declaration if its final content does
not too greatly differ from that which French have indicated they prepared to
accept. I would like some latitude on this, and am sure I know what would be
acceptable to you. I will, of course, have to state in conference that the US
is unable to join in a multilateral declaration (since the one planned would
include the Communists) but it is making a declaration of its own position,
et cetera. This may come to a head tomorrow afternoon or evening, and while
it would be possible to make our declaration later it is infinitely preferable
to do it at the time of settlement. Otherwise we will have to disassociate ourselves
with a lengthy and detailed conference declaration without anything of our own
to offer except the very brief declaration we already have prepared.
SMITH
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