Eisenhower Library, James C. Hagerty papers
Hagerty Diary, March 26, 1954
[Extract]
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Cabinet Meeting
1. Dulles reviewed Indo-China situation—said we must help Fr. win in Indo-China—if not, Reds would win that part of world and “cut our defense line in half”—predicted U.S. may have to take “fairly strong action”—involving risks—”but these risks will be less if we take them now rather than waiting for several years”—said Fr. should give political sovereignty to Associated States—Fr. want our help, but not in any form they think might damage their prestige in area—we should train local troops and work for freedom for states—fighting season to stop in about 30 days—but “serious situation”—Cabot Lodge asked if couldn’t turn Indo-China into another Greece, where we trained and helped them—Pres. said situation different—Greeks were sturdy people with will to win, Vietnam “backward people” who don’t think Fr. sincere in granting them freedom—”France presents difficult questions everywhere you look.”
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