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Indochinese War, 1946-1954 Clear All

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June 15, 1954	Telegram, Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong, Regarding the Thirteenth Restricted Session Zhou Enlai writes to Chairman Mao, Comrade Shaoqi, and the CCP Central Committee about the thirteenth restricted session of the Geneva Conference. During this session Molotov put forward a twelve-point proposal concerning the joint committee, the supervision committee by countries of neutrality, and the question of international guaranty.
June 15, 1954	Summary, Zhou Enlai's presentation at a meeting of the Chinese, Soviet, and Vietnamese delegations Zhou Enlai states that under the current situation the communist side should make concessions on the Laos and Cambodia questions so that the conference will continue. Additionally he sees the key issue in the negotiation now is whether to acknowledge that there are Vietnamese troops in the two countries.
June 14, 1954	Telegram, Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi and the CCP Central Committee (excerpt) Zhou Enlai writes that the French concern for their troops has made them more willing to negotiate. Additionally Zhou assures Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi and the CCP Central Committee that their side has maintained a positive attitude and the world will be left with the impression that their side has consistently pursued negotiations for reaching an agreement, whereas the US is merely attempting to sabotage the conference.
June 8, 1954	Telegram, Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and the CCP Central Committee (excerpt) Zhou Enlai writes to to Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and the CCP Central Committee to inform them that the "big adjustment" plan of dividing Vietnam and drawing borders is most favorable to them. He cautions that the other plans are not favorable and that some small concessions might have to be made in order to avoid other less favorable plans.
May 30, 1954	Telegram, Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and the CCP Central Committee, (excerpt) Zhou Enlai highlights the main problems with the Communist negotiation strategy, which lies in lack of proper understanding of the complexity of the Indochina question. He also stresses that both sides need to discuss "three key issues, namely, dividing zones, ceasefire supervision and international guarantee."
May 18, 1954	Cable from Zhou Enlai, 'Regarding Pham Van Don's reply to Eden' Zhou Enlai write Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and report to the CCP Central Committee, regarding Pham Van Dong's reply to Eden and the issue of transporting wounded soldiers from Dien Bien Phu.
May 17, 1954	Telegram, Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and the CCP Central Committee (excerpt) Zhou Enlai informs Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and the CCP Central Committee that despite an increased possibility for ceasefire, there are plots for sabotaging the ceasefire in Indochina by the US and factions for war in France.
May 13, 1954	Telegram, Zhou Enlai to Wei Guoqing, and report to the CCP Central Committee (excerpt) In this telegram Zhou Enlai informs Wei Guoqing and the CCP Central Committee that the Western countries have raised the question of sick and wounded soldiers at Dien Bien Phu and are criticizing the Soviet Union. Enlai wants to counter the enemy plots with propaganda, but in the meantime thinks it would be better if some captured senior officers issued statements concerning the "humanist measures" being taken by their captors - but not by force.
April 28, 1954	Telegram, Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and CCP Central Committee (excerpt) In his telegram, Zhou Enlai informs Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, and CCP Central Committee about the first days of the Geneva Conference. Discussion on the Korea question has already entered a deadlock and it seems that the Chinese, French, and Russian delegations have arranged to meet outside the conference to discuss Indochina.
April 28, 1954	Telegram, Mao Zedong to Peng Dehuai and Huang Kecheng Mao Zedong writes to comrades Peng Dehuai and Huan Kecheng informing them of the dangers that face the communists in Vietnam. There is a risk of enemy movement near the transportation line in the rear area which could force troops out of Dien Bien Phu.