751G.00/12–1053: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
1007. Sent Paris 294. We deeply appreciate Department’s consideration in repeating Secto 24 as set forth Deptel 1014.1 Re Bidault’s emphasis described first paragraph reference telegram on General Navarre’s build-up of force strength and his reliance on US financial and material assistance, General Navarre has sent Ambassador a personal note enclosing a copy of a letter dated December 7 to General Trapnell in which he makes a spirited plea for no diminution of US end-item equipment during fiscal 1954.2 In Navarre letter to Ambassador, he says “you have been witness of my conversations with Vice President Nixon and Senators Knowland and Mansfield. All these eminent authorities have asked me if I was satisfied with American aid and have affirmed the desire of the US Government to aid us to the maximum.” Letter to Trapnell emphasizes Navarre’s growing concern that his requests for end-items have been materially scaled down by our defense authorities “which might well prevent realization of a dependable logistical system at very time that Battle Corps will be most actively engaged.” Navarre stresses that on encouraging assurances from important visitors and in concert with our MAAG and General O’Daniel mission, he had increased his force strength and that if scaling down of end-item program is insisted upon by Pentagon, there will be an obvious discrepancy between means in personnel and means in matériel which he shall have at his disposal. If this takes place, “without any doubt I would be forced to reconsider operational plan anticipated for year 1954.”
Navarre concludes letter to Trapnell stressing necessity for firm information re supplies he will receive; an earnest request that reductions made by Washington be reconsidered; that he know when he will receive first FY-1954 equipment; and that he have assurances that actual deliveries of end-items will take place within next three months.
Full text being telegraphed by MAAG.
In view of success Navarre has attained in meeting his pledged program of operations, and in light of impact military success will have on political situation both here and in France, we urge that everything [Page 919] possible be done by Department of Defense to meet General Navarre’s request.3
- Secto 24 is dated Dec. 7, p. 901. Telegram 1014 is not printed.↩
- The note from General Navarre to Ambassador Heath, Dec. 7, and a letter from Chargé McClintock to General Navarre acknowledging receipt, were transmitted in despatch 230 from Saigon, Dec. 14, not printed. (751G.5/12–1453) The letter from General Navarre to General Trapnell, transmitted to Washington via military channels, is not printed here. (Department of Defense files)↩
- In a letter of Dec. 14, General Trapnell assured General Navarre that the army, navy, and air force aid programs for FY 1954 which had been approved substantially fulfilled French requests and that deliveries could be expected soon. General Trapnell’s letter was transmitted with despatch 233 from Saigon, Dec. 16. (751G.5/12–1653) In telegram 1110 from Saigon, Dec. 27, Ambassador Heath reported that according to General Trapnell, who had met with General Navarre that day, the worries of the latter regarding possible suspension or delay in the delivery of U.S. military equipment had ended. (751G.00/12–2753)↩