Office of the Historian

Radford papers, Indochina papers/Geneva Conference

Memorandum by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of Defense (Wilson)1

top secret
Washington, 31 March 1954.

Subject:

  • Indo China Situation.
1.
In view of the critical situation in Indo China (Dien Bien Phu) the Chairman today called a special meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Commandant of the Marine Corps was present) to ascertain their individual views as to the necessity or desirability of recommending to the Secretary of Defense and/or the President that an immediate offer of assistance by U.S. Naval Air and/or Air Force units be made to the French.
2.
The individual Service Chiefs and the Commandant of the Marine Corps unanimously recommended against such an offer at this time.
3.
The Chairman is of the opinion that such an offer should be made.
4.
Copies of this memorandum have been provided only to General [Page 1199] Twining, General Ridgway, Admiral Carney, and General Shepherd on an “Eyes Only” basis.
For the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
Arthur Radford

Chairman

  1. The source text was accompanied in the files by a handwritten note by Admiral Radford, which read as follows:

    “Should JCS recommend to Sec Def and/or The President that offer be made to French to render assistance (as practicable from carriers or AF units) in connection with action at Dien Bien Phu.

    “1. Ridgway—no

    “2. Carney—no

    “3. Twining—not unless Chinese intervene (no)

    “4. Shepherd—not unless Chinese intervene (no)

    “Record of action in Chairman’s Office during meeting of JCS at 1330 31 March. “Top Secret.

    “My personal files. R[adford]

    “Above action confirmed by official memo to Sec. Def.”

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