INDO-CHINA TRUCE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27407, 21 July 1954, Page 11

INDO-CHINA TRUCE

“Peace Very, Very Near” (N.Z. Press Association-Copyright) (ReC „ 10 , P ' ,n ' ) . . . GENEVA, July 20. With midnight tonight as zero hour for his “peace or resign promise, the French Prime Minister (Mr oTffie thanSeS Some officials said there . reported suggestion by the Communists that the delegates of Sr ai ? document for the cease are. The United States has already stated an mtention to decline to sign a peace agreement, although she has pledged herself to respect any “reasonable” Western delegates doubt however, whether the CommSs would press their “everybody sign” proposal. munls is

OPTIMISM IN PRESS

LONDON, July 20. Newspapers in both France and Britain are optimistic today as the deadline for Mr Mendes-France draws near. Lyle Cousland, in Geneva for the “Daily Herald." London, said: “It’s in the bar.” Wilfred Burebett, of the London “Daily Worker," said: “Experts are working at top speed to produce the final texts for signature.” Beater’s correspondent in Paris eaid that French newspapers bearing the first optimistic headlines far months sold out quickly, as the deadline approached. The Communist Paris newspaper ■‘L’Humanite,” said: “The essentials are agreed on.”

In the talks between French and Communist Vietminh leaders it is reported that both sides have agreed on two mam issues—that the truce line at the 17th Parallel and that elections to reunite the country under a single government should be not held for two years. The 17th parallel line would give the Vietminh all North Vietnam, including the Red River Delta and also 92 nJJwwi?’ 000 ’ 00 ? + ° f the e a PPr° xi mately 22,000,000 population of Indo-China. Both sides are also reported to have agreed that the truce line must give a clear division, and that neither side should be allowed to hold “pockets” in the other’s area. Forces now on either side of the planned truce line would be withdrawn over a period of about one year. The longest delay would be granted the French Union for evacuation of their troops and equipment in the delta through the port of Haiphong—which under the 17th parallel agreement would become Vietminh territory.