751G.5/9–450: Telegram
The Minister at Saigon (Heath) to the Secretary of State
312. 1. I agree that whatever action we can take ourselves or recommend to French must serve six objectives well stated Deptel 238, September 1.
2. As basis for discussion Foreign Ministers conference, with French authorities, with Bao Dai, Department’s broad outline for announcement and formation Viet army requires some extension and changes. Our suggestions will go forward soonest.
[Page 874]3. Principal Indochina matter for decision at Foreign Ministers conference appears to me to be whether British and ourselves will actively participate IC defense in case overt or covert Chinese invasion. IC is keystone of the arch of defense of SEA against Communist attack. If imperative military examination problem is to go forward it seems to us it must be on basis of decision in principle by Foreign Ministers conference. I believe we must promptly reach decision participate IC defense in case of attack more actively than merely furnishing supplies and munitions French or Viet forces. Principal form that ours and British participation could take during present Korean phase would seem to be active air and naval support proceeding from Singapore and Philippines. I do not believe, however, that even if we were now in position to do so, we should give at Foreign Ministers conference unqualified commitment such participation or of substantially increased military and economic assistance either directly to IC or through metropolitan France (Pleven–Alphand request for two year loan to constitute fifteen French divisions) until French and Bao Dai have convinced us that they are going to undertake promptly and dynamically the military, political, and social measures necessary clean up Viet Minh revolt. There can be no successful stand against Chinese attack until revolt in hinterland substantially ended.
4. I do not believe that searching discussions internal situation here proper subject for tripartite discussion at Foreign Ministers conference. British are not as directly engaged IC operation as we are by virtue our military and economic aid program unless they achieve status partnership by definitely agreeing commit Singapore forces in case Chinese attack. However courteously phrased and with whatever understanding of difficulties French position our observations will frequently imply some criticism their conduct of affairs which would be galling for French listen to before third party (the British). Bevin could be informed later or in advance any bipartite discussion. I have in mind necessity of preparing for conferences soonest with Bao Dai, with Pignon, with Schuman and defense minister to insure that truly effective politico-military “new deal” is going to be inauguarated. In this connection, consultation with General Alessandri very important. He is the one ranking general here who has had conspicuous military success (cleaning out Tonkin delta) who enjoys some liking and respect of Bao Dai and Viets, and who has experience and understanding IC, and confidence in Viet troops. Carpentier may be excellent commander in other theater but not here. In my view, he should be replaced, preferably by Alessandri. Therefore, I believe there should be a very frank initial discussion between Secretary and Schuman of present situation IC, and in this discussion, I think the Secretary might well say inter alia that while we have full confidence Paris decision implement accords of eighteen months ago that Paris [Page 875] orders and policy seem frequently delayed and in part frustrated by weight of old colonial bureaucracy and tradition and by French public opinion here.
5. It might be useful if a legation representative could stand by during discussions IC problems at New York (which I hope will be followed promptly by implementing discussions in Paris). It would certainly be useful for me and possibly for Department as well, for me to be present NY and if practicable have Gullion and Blum along; my absence from Saigon would be brief.
Sent Department 312, repeated info Paris 132.