751G.5/9–1453: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Sturm) to the Department of State
163. Repeated information Saigon 111, Paris 73. In course of briefing given September 12, General Navarre told Senator Knowland that at present time French Union striking force (corps de bataille) is equivalent to about three divisions compared with Viet Minh corps de bataille of approximately seven divisions. Navarre added that by reorganizing his forces and suppressing all except indispensable static defenses, he hopes by spring of next year have corps de bataille equal to six divisions, or force capable of meeting enemy on nearly even terms at any point.
Navarre said with regard to fall campaign that there appears no doubt major operations will have begun by October 15. The only question, he said, is which side will seize initiative. Commander in Chief strongly implied that he does not intend sit by while Viet Minh make first important move. Discussing possible Viet Minh fall campaign plans, General Cogny and his staff repeated earlier statements to effect that it appears principal Viet Minh effort, or at very least major diversionary effort, will be made against Tonkin delta.
With regard to equipment needs, Navarre said that his first concern was to strengthen air transport groups. He now has sufficient DC–3’s to drop two parachute battalions simultaneously; drop possibilities should be increased, he says, to three battalions plus command staff and equipment; this would require one additional squadron of Dakotas.