751G.5/2–254: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Berlin1
Tosec 67. Secto 57.2 Indochina summary: Viet Minh main effort continues against Northwest Tonkin with deployment there of all or majority three divisions against French position at Dien Bien Phu and Northern Laos. Communist strength between thirty and forty thousand in general area opposing friendly garrison of fifteen thousand. Post completely dependent on air supply from Hanoi 200 miles away. Enemy reported have artillery and anti-aircraft on high ground surrounding Dien Bien Phu with capability seriously restrict air supply although hard intelligence scanty this subject. Enemy can attack post in force, in which case French continue believe can hold and inflict heavy losses on enemy. Enemy can also contain Dien Bien Phu with portion his forces and attack Luang Prabang, capital of Laos. On January 30 Viet Minh column of eighteen battalions was confirmed as moving southwest from Dien Bien Phu area. Press reports column had reached point within sixty miles Luang Prabang February 3 and was still moving south. French have stated Luang Prabang will be defended. Reserves from Delta may be flown in. Strain would be increased on air transport requirements. French command believes reduction enemy forces around Dien Bien Phu will permit garrison there to break out offensively.
In Central Viet Nam successful Franco-Vietnamese operation along coastline has reoccupied area under Viet Minh control for seven years. No significant Viet Minh opposition although enemy attack in plateau area to north of area of operation may be diversionary. French command publicizes this as largest French offensive operation undertaken so far in war, in order to counter-balance overall defensive posture at time when victories of greatest psychological importance vis-à-vis French opinion.
Stepped up Viet Minh activity Central and South Viet Nam and Central Laos during past ten days included attacks against small outposts some of which taken or abandoned.
Six additional B–26 planes delivered last week against FY54 allotment. American civilian pilots being made available for twelve C–119s now on loan.
[Page 1012]Regarding recent urgent French requests, Defense taking steps provide additional B–26s and, in consultation with French, help meet maintenance personnel requirements. This being handled through military channel only.
High Command maintains confidence ability meet enemy offensive operations this season and initiate next season (October 1954) decisive blows against enemy on basis necessary superiority of manpower which would by then be provided as result build-up new Vietnamese forces.
Jacquet and French Army Chief Staff Blanc currently in Indochina and Pleven expected shortly with Ely.
Department impressed with probability enemy making desperate effort secure at least appearance success during Berlin meeting. Realistic approach our part to situation most necessary but unjustified pessimism plays into enemy hands.
There have been no new developments reported with respect to Viet Minh peace overtures.
- Drafted by Bonsal and Hoey of PSA. Secretary of State Dulles was in Berlin to participate in the Four-Power Foreign Ministers Meeting held from Jan. 25 to Feb. 18. For information on the Berlin Conference, see editorial note, p. 997.↩
- In telegram Secto 57 from Berlin, Jan. 31, not printed, the U.S. Delegation requested current background information on a number of subjects, including Indochina. (396.1 BE/1–3154)↩