751G.5/2–1854: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Parsons) to the Department of State
confidential
Tokyo, February 18, 1954—7
p.m.
2024. Repeated information Saigon 54, Bangkok 38, Phnom Penh 2.
- 1.
- In recent conversation with Embassy officer Foreign Office Southeast Asia desk officer asked for United States estimate of Indochina military situation, explaining that government worried by prospect of opening mission in Saigon only to have to withdraw soon after should Communists take over. His remarks, generally pessimistic in tone, emphasized ability and presumed intention of Chinese Communists to step up aid to Viet Minh and recent indications that French-Vietnamese cause losing popular support. He stated if Saigon were in near future to agree to exchange envoys, Japanese might have to [Page 1059] turn down proposal or stall. He concluded by inquiring whether United States might send combat troops to bolster French effort or whether letting defense of Vietnam remain primarily French responsibility we might concentrate on building joint Thai-Cambodian defense system (presumably based on Mekong River).
- 2.
- Embassy officer stated that our view was that French Union Forces would be able stabilize situation within two years. Our policy was to lend all possible assistance to French-Vietnamese Forces short of commitment American combat troops to prevent loss Indochina to Communists.
- 3.
- Embassy regards inquiries as feeler prompted by Japanese alarm over press reports indicating serious deterioration Indochina situation. Acting Secretary’s statement to Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday,1 which placed these reports in proper perspective, should prove useful in allaying Japanese fears. Embassy has called Foreign Office’s attention to it. Believe continuing evaluations and public statements this nature by high American officials as well as any information we can give government in confidence would be valuable here.
Parsons
- See footnote 2, p. 1049.↩