751G.5/4–2453: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris1
Tosec 9. At State-JCS meeting April 24 JCS in informal discussion made it clear they attach great weight to reservations they have made as to feasibility and prospects of success of military plan for Indo-China presented by French in Washington.2 It is apparent Chiefs feel that plan might be “workable” but only if French pursue course of action which would in effect remove basis for JCS reservations. [Page 504] JCS described this course of action as including such things as appointment bold and aggressive French military leader to Indo-China Command, revision French strategy in direction more immediate and telling offensive action, use Vietnamese forces in large rather than small units etc.
JCS informally stated belief it was imperative US should forcefully present such ideas to French and that unless French would follow such advice it was possible US aid to French for Indo-China would in fact be wasted.
JCS felt US Government position could only be developed after Secretary’s return from NATO meeting and that promptly thereafter it might be wise have joint military and political discussions with French in Paris.
Above JCS views suggest caution in indicating to French now that US approves French military plan.