751G.00/10–2452
Memorandum by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Johnson) to the Under Secretary of State (Bruce)
Subject:
- Military Developments in Tonkin
The attached map1 shows the present order of battle of both anti-Communist and Communist (Viet Minh) forces in Tonkin. The fortified perimeter surrounding Hanoi-Haiphong has not been seriously attacked and appears secure for the moment.
The French Union Forces maintained garrisons at Nghia-Lo (100 miles northwest of Hanoi) and at Lai Chau (200 miles northwest of Hanoi). In addition, there were many small intelligence patrols of Thai tribesmen, accompanied by a few French soldiers with radio sets, operating in the areas on both the north and south banks of the Red River. These patrols furnished useful information concerning Communist movements.
During the week of October 13–18, Viet Minh forces in large numbers overran several of the small intelligence patrols, who withdrew to more protected areas and continue to provide information by radio. The garrison of approximately 1,000 men (including 100 French) at Nghia-Lo was attacked on October 16–17 by overwhelming Communist troops. Although reinforced by one paratroop battalion from inside the Hanoi perimeter, the post was lost and the number of survivors is unknown. Lai Chau has not been attacked.
The French have flown six to nine battalions of infantry and one battery of artillery from inside the perimeter to the area Son La-Mo Chau where they have taken up position on the south bank of the Black River. Viet Minh troops are advancing in that direction, but no contact has been reported.
For the time being the Franco-Viet-Nam forces have lost a useful listening post at Nghia-Lo. It could be retaken, but only by utilizing troops needed to hold the Hanoi perimeter. There are few if any troops in the South or Center who could be spared from present duties [Page 271] to reinforce Tonkin. If, however, the Viet Minh attacked the perimeter, it is presumed that General Salan would accept a calculated risk and denude an area in the South or Center to stiffen the North.
Out of the confused situation we can draw the following conclusions:
- 1.
- The Viet Minh can take any territory in Tonkin except the Hanoi-Haiphong perimeter.
- 2.
- Although they cannot take Hanoi, they could breach a point in the perimeter and last for a few days before being ejected.
- 3.
- We do not believe that the loss of Nghia-Lo should affect the present ability of the French Union Forces to maintain the perimeter. Troops moved outside that area to counter other Viet Minh movements would, of course, weaken the perimeter defenses. We do not know to what degree the French may have already stripped the perimeter defenses to establish and maintain the Son La strong point.
- 4.
- The present identified strength of Viet Minh units moving southwest following Nghia-Lo battle, is approximately 20,000, while the French Union Forces facing the enemy in that area number approximately 10,000 (French Army estimate). There are approximately 15,000 Viet Minh troops, belonging to the same divisions which attacked Nghia-Lo, whose present whereabouts is unreported.
- 5.
- If the present operation is designed to screen a Chinese Communist attack, there is no information to indicate that there has been a build-up in South China or any suspicious movement inside northern Tonkin adjacent to the China border. French Air reconnaissance continues to cover the latter area.
- Not reproduced.↩