Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Indochina, Volume XIII, Part 1

751G.5/5–2353: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France¹

secret

Washington, June 3, 1953—4:46 p.m.

5846. Department confident you will continue make best efforts toward remedying situation described Deptel 5693 rptd Saigon 2291.² Raising current manpower ceiling French Air Force Indochina considered of primary importance by US Govt.

Department has been impressed by your discussion NATO aspects and hopes issue will not be raised by French.

Essence of IS position in AR, supported by US, was that French maintaining large number aircraft not needed for or suitable for NATO tasks, thereby tying up trained FAF personnel which could otherwise be available for higher priority tasks. Specifically, IS recommends French increase NATO AF targets and find funds and personnel through scrapping obsolescent aircraft. Since French as Embtel 6087³ indicated and as they warned at April NAC, in effect rejecting NATO recommendation, it appears reasonable assume French could make available needed trained men for Indochina without in any way affecting NATO forces.

If however French should raise question reduction French NATO commitments in relation raising personnel manpower ceiling FAF Indochina, you should make no comment this time but refer matter Department for consideration light situation then existent.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Charles W. Adair, NATO Adviser in the Office of European Regional Affairs, and Philip W. Bonsal, Director of PSA. Also sent to Saigon as telegram 2365,
2. Dated May 21, p. 576.
3. Dated May 23, p. 581.