396.1/12–753: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State1
[Received December 8—2:03 a.m.]
Secto 24. Dept pass Defense. Before discussing communique2 meeting heads of government which began 5: 30 p.m. December 7 took up last two remaining agenda items: Indochina; and security assurances.3 Bidault began with detailed review military situation Indochina. Pointing out Viet Minh now apparently having difficulties in augmenting troop strength he referred in contrast to French reinforcements which have been set a difficult task in view of present French public opinion and also to continuing build up military forces Associated States particularly Vietnam. General Navarre doing well in this build-up particularly re creation mobile force instead of former effort maintain garrisons everywhere. None of this would have been possible stated Bidault, except for US assistance financial and material.
Bidault reported first real effort just made in Red River delta aimed at eliminating broad Communist infiltration by night. Navarre’s efforts have stopped enemy’s dry season offensive prepared by Chinese in Laos and both delta branches. Though Bidault claimed military situation now better than ever before, he also stressed continuing difficulties including necessity for continuous rotation French troops, long lines of communication back to France and continuing casualties.
Bidault then mentioned bold French Government declaration July 3 to eliminate any doubts re independence three Associated States. Subsequently, certain elements endeavored provoke break with French Union with serious repercussions both in France and Indochina. [Page 902] Permanence of this broad flexible relationship known as French Union in fact constitutes sine qua non of continuation French effort. Bidault also mentioned Ho Chi-minh’s proposals which French not sure “even drafted in Asia” (for example his attack on EDC). These proposals couched in such terms impossible to discuss.
Bidault stressed French will never abandon their comrades and supporters in Associated States and will therefore never negotiate without latter’s approval. Real international framework seems essential to any negotiations. At same time war has been going on for seven years and many Frenchmen therefore favor negotiations with Viet Minh. Bidault referred somewhat vaguely to possibilities mediation five-power conference and negotiations with China stating however Red China would never accept participation of Associated States which must somehow be represented. War must not, however, be prolonged any longer than necessary for free world and French honor.
Speaking with obvious feeling Churchill then complimented French warmly for their effort on behalf of empire and freedom. Besides doing well in Indochina he praised their efforts in North Africa stating he greatly impressed by French civilizing work there. In contrast Churchill expressed deep regret that British left India. At same time he urged French to consider prolongation military service which British have found to be very advantageous. This permits, he stated, troops to “breed their own kind.”
President associated himself completely with British in complementing French for their great and protracted military efforts Indochina. He reported having just learned that another carrier, 25 transport planes and some helicopters would soon be delivered by US. President referred Bidault’s somewhat cryptic reference to five-power conference pointed out this was “bad word for United States” and he wished to point this out even though this was no place to discuss details of such problem.
In reply Bidault emphasized had not wished cause any concern to President. Bidault claimed he had always opposed five-power conference on world affairs as now demanded by Soviets but stated we could accept five-power or even larger conference on specific Southeast Asia problems providing Associated States properly represented.
President replied US would certainly always be ready to study any concrete proposals.
[Here follows discussion of other subjects.]
- Drafted by Brewster H. Morris of the Office of German Affairs, a member of the U.S. Delegation at the Bermuda Conference. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, and Bonn.↩
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The communiqué of the Bermuda Heads of Government Conference, Dec. 7, read in part as follows:
“We reviewed the situation in the Far East. The immediate object of our policy continues to be the convening of the political conference provided for in the Korean Armistice agreement. This would provide the means for reaching a peaceful settlement of the Korean question and for making progress in restoring more normal conditions in the Far East and South East Asia.
“In Indo-China we salute the valiant forces of France and of the three Associaated States of Indo-China fighting within the French Union to protect the independence of Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam. We recognize the vital importance of their contribution to the defense of the free world. We will continue to work together to restore peace and stability in this area.” For the full text of the communique, see volume V.
↩ - The discussion summarized here occurred at the Fifth Plenary Session of the Tripartite Heads of Government Meeting, Dec. 7. For the U.S. Delegation Minutes of the meeting, see ibid.↩