Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3b.djvu/487

 Rh

PRIORITY

SENT DEPARTMENT SECTO 673 REPEATED INFORMATION PARIS 106, SAIGON 75.

Vietnamese DEL handed us late this afternoon their new proposal. It is elaboration of idea in note to French (SECTO 633) and conference was advised of its preparation in yesterday's restricted session. Unofficial translation follows:

QUOTE

French, Soviet, and Viet Minh drafts all admit the principles of a partition of Vietnam in two zones, all of North Vietnam being abandoned to the Viet Minh.

Although this partition is only provisional in theory, it would not (repeat not) fail to produce in Vietnam the same effects as in Germany, Austria, and Korea.

It would not (repeat not) bring the peace which is sought for, deeply wounding the national sentiment of the Vietnamese people, it would provoke trouble throughout the country, trouble which would not (repeat not) fail to threaten a peace so dearly acquired.

Before discussing the conditions of a de facto partition with disastrous consequences for the people of Vietnam and for the peace of the world, the DEL of the state of Vietnam renews its proposal for a cease-fire without a demarcation line, without partition, even provisionally.

The Vietnamese DEL therefore proposes:

1. A cease-fire on present positions

2. Regroupment of troops in two zones which would be as small as possible.

3. Disarmament of irregular troops

4. After a period to be fixed, disarmament of Viet Minh troops and simultaneous withdrawal of foreign troops. Rh