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PRIORITY

SENT DEPARTMENT SECTO 560, REPEATED INFORMATION PARIS 12, SAIGON 10.

LIMIT DISTRIBUTION

PARIS EYES ONLY AMBASSADOR

SAIGON EYES ONLY AMBASSADOR

This morning Chauvel expressed to me serious concern re reports he had from Bonnet of two statements by Secretary and one by Under Secretary to effect US not (repeat not) being adequately informed. He asserted with much emphasis that he had and would continue keep me fully and frankly informed. My own belief is that Chauvel has not (repeat not) deliberately withheld information.

Chauvel had seen Dong this morning. On question of demarcation lines, Dong again referred to status of populations sympathizing with Viet Minh who would be left south of demarcation line proposed by French. He said this question would be easier for him if he could get some general political assurances regarding eventual status these people. Chauvel said Dong indicated that with such assurances he might be able to accept Dong Hoi line.

In reply to Dong Chauvel stated that such assurances would have to be very general. They might refer to such matters as eventual unity, territorial integrity, democratic conditions, etc.

Chauvel told Dong that any attempt to go further into detail on political matters would result in prolonged discussion and delay in achieving the armistice which all desire.

Chauvel suggested to Dong that it might be advantageous to have the agreement on the armistice purely one between the commands of each side and not (repeat not) between governments. This obviate immediate problem of securing consent of Vietnamese Government. Agreement would, of course, have to include certain questions not (repeat not) purely military. The agreement could Rh