751G.00/12–1053: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
999. Repeated information Paris 290, Hanoi unnumbered. Re Embtel 968, repeated information Paris 279.1 De Jean said this morning French High Command is hopeful that a major engagement can be forced in vicinity of Dien-Bien-Phu in near future. He said General Navarre planned to withdraw from Laichau as it was indefensible with small force now manning garrison, but that he had almost a division, including two battalions of artillery, at Dien-Bien-Phu and was confident of victory if the two Vietnamese [Viet Minh] divisions—the 316th and 304th—now heading toward that place chose to give battle. Fact that enemy had sent two divisions toward Dien-Bien-Phu plus one regiment from forces northeast of delta was fairly convincing evidence that Viet Minh had been compelled by Navarre’s tactics at least temporarily to give up intention of mounting a major offensive against delta which would have been made more formidable by guerrilla warfare inside delta. This De Jean felt was proof of Navarre’s skill.
Commissioner General said that a meeting of Franco-Vietnamese high military committee will take place next week at Dalat in presence of Bao Dai to discuss forthcoming operations and future plans for strengthening of Vietnamese national army.