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SENT DEPARTMENT DULTE 193, REPEATED INFORMATION LONDON 298, PARIS 452, SAIGON 176

LONDON, PARIS AND SAIGON EYES ONLY AMBASSADORS

Reference SECTO 463, repeated information London 297. Paris 451, Saigon 175

Dennis Allen (UK) gave Johnson this morning additional details on conversation with Chou-En-lai. Chou stated that in case Cambodia resistance forces were small and all that was necessary was a political settlement by the present royal government with them "which could easily be obtained." In case of Laos, the resistance forces were larger, and it would be necessary recognize this fact by formation of regrouping areas along the border with Vietnam and China. The task in both states was twofold: The removal of foreign forces and dealing with the problem of domestic resistance movements. The military staff should get down to this task.

In reply to Eden's query as to whether it would not (repeat not) be difficult obtain Viet Minh admission Viet Minh forces were in Laos and Cambodia, Chou stated it would "not (repeat not) be difficult" to get Viet Minh to agree to withdrawal their forces from those two states in context with withdrawal all foreign forces. Chou made no (repeat no) direct reply to Eden's reference to French-Laotian treaty on French bases in Laos. Eden expressed personal view that Chou wants settlement, but has some doubt with regard to degree of control he exercises over Viet Minh.

In long talk with Bidault this morning (first direct contact between Chinese and French Chou substantially repeated what he told Eden yesterday (in conversation with Bidau1t, Chou referred to Viet Minh forces in Laos and Cambodia as "volunteers"). Bidault had also seen Molotov this morning and reported that both Molotov and Chou are obviously greatly concerned over any break-up Indochina conference in pattern of Korean conference as well as of lowering level conference below level of Foreign Ministers. Bidault said they clearly want to keep the conference going. Bidault and I agree (Eden did not (repeat not) comment) that is was important we do nothing dispel Chou's worries over US bases in Laos and Cambodia. Rh