751G.00/5–753: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
5522. Eyes only. For the Ambassador from the Secretary. The President has drafted the following message to you in the thought that you may find it useful. I fully concur with what he says.
“personal
May 6, 1953.
“Dear Mr. Ambassador: The situation in Indo-China continues to be one of grave concern to all who are striving to increase the strength and stability of the free world. To the people of the United States, conditions there seem to be worsening rather than improving, despite our outlays for material support.
“After much thought on this subject, my associates and I have arrived at two convictions, a knowledge of which may be of some value to you in your contacts with French officials.
“The first is that an outstanding leader is needed, empowered with the means and authority to win victory—a man who is at once eminently qualified in the training and organization of military forces, and who is at the same time a forceful and inspirational leader. With such leadership in the person of the late Marshal de Lattre de Tassigny, French Union forces made extensive progress against the insurgents and I believe the progress would have been maintained had this outstanding soldier lived.
“The second requirement, as I see it, is for a clear and unequivocal public announcement on the part of the French Government, repeated as often as many appear desirable, that France seeks self-rule for Indo-China and that practical political freedom will be an accomplished fact as soon as victory against the Communists is won. France would, thereafter, have such relationships with the peoples of Indo-China as are agreed between the two peoples to be of mutual benefit. Such a declaration would place this tragic conflict in an appealing perspective and win millions of friends for France, not only in Indo-China but throughout the world. A short time ago, I mentioned to our State Department my views as to the urgent requirement for a topflight commander in Indo-China. I specifically referred to General Guillaume as the type of man capable of providing the leadership required. Yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing Lieutenant General Jean E. Valluy. I understand that he is receiving consideration for appointment as Commander in French Indo-China. Based on my personal impression of him, and on reports reaching me of his work at SHAPE, I feel that General Valluy may well be the man who can perform this critical task successfully. If such be the decision of the [Page 551] French authorities, I strongly urge that he be sent as early as practicable and that he be given powers and support equal to the great task that will be his.
“With warm personal regard,
Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower”
- This telegram, containing a message drafted by President Eisenhower, was prepared by Roderic L. O’Connor, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State.↩