Office of the Historian

751G.5 MSP/1–2754: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Achilles) to the Department of State

secret
priority
Paris, January 27, 1954—1 p.m.

2758. Repeated information Saigon 295. Reference: Deptel 2502.1 Today’s Paris edition New York Herald Tribune carries Alsops’ article “Where Is Dien Bien Phu” which reveals certain details top secret French request additional US aid Indochina. We deplore this additional leak of important military news and Alsops’ willingness to publish items of considerable interest to enemy and potentially great harm to allies for sake of scoop.

French Government Has Placed Emphasis On Principle That Details Of American Aid For Indochina, Particularly As They Concern Any Manpower Services, Be Very Closely Held. They Are Gravely Concerned That Knowledge United States Personnel Is Performing Services For French Union Forces Will Provide Chinese With Excuse For Similar Further Intervention On Behalf Of Viet-Minh. Recently Question Of Use American Civilian Pilots For C–119 Transports Occasioned Two Special Interministerial (Cabinet) Meetings. As Department Knows Subject Has Been Handled By Us On Top Secret Limited Distribution Throughout. Aside From Press Inquiries Embassy Will Shortly Be Faced With Necessity Explaining To French Officials How Alsops Were Informed Of Top Secret Project Even Before Us Government Has Replied To Their Request. We Would Be Grateful For Any Explanations And Guidance In Answering Inquiries.2

Achilles
  1. Dated Jan. 5, p. 940.↩

  2. Telegram 2651 to Paris, Jan. 27, read as follows: “Your 2758. Alsop article also appeared syndicated column US press January 27. Naturally cause greatest concern. Source leak unknown.

    “Reply press inquiries Department stating no comment.” (751G.5 MSP/1–2754)

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