751G.00/4–154: Telegram
The Ambassador at Saigon (Heath) to the Department of State
niact
[Received 3:24 a.m.]
1852. Sent Paris niact 597, Hanoi niact 324, Manila niact 183, Tokyo niact 64, repeated information Singapore 53. De Jean has just received following telephone report on Dien-Bien-Phu from General Navarre:
There was no general assault last night. However, at 2330 hours [Page 1200] enemy attacked position II in south portion of “Eliane” and now occupies half this vital spot with French contesting its possession. Yesterday, although French retook two positions in “Dominique,” they were later forced to withdraw. Situation, therefore, remains as at end of yesterday’s fight—that Viet Minh have three positions in “Dominique” and one and one-half in “Eliane.”
Rate of Viet Minh artillery fire has greatly increased and ack-ack activity is not only greater in volume but more deadly in effect. Result has been that French drop aircraft have been forced to high altitudes while at same time enemy encirclement between “Isabelle” and main redoubt has greatly reduced size of available drop area. In consequence, drop of ammunition yesterday in fairly strong wind resulted in half of these supplies landing in enemy hands. Lack of aircraft made it impossible to drop reinforcing parachute battalion which still remains at Hanoi.
De Castries reports that his men are growing exceedingly weary and that without fresh reinforcements position looks very black. French losses now total three battalions with 1,300 dead. Issue thus seems to boil down to (a) weather, (b) availability of transport aircraft, and (c) whatever strategic reserve Navarre can provide garrison at Dien-Bien-Phu. De Jean confirms that Navarre’s reserve consists of three battalions.
De Jean this morning said that issue now depends upon hours and days. He asked if through some miracle we could send more C–47s. We requested him to ascertain precise number needed and said that we would urge with most sober insistence that by hook or crook more C–47s be sent instantly this theatre. De Jean was relieved when we told him that first increment of B–26s are now in Clark Field and should be on hand shortly. We understand that French now only have 22 B–26s in operation.
De Jean is flying Hanoi this afternoon.
De Jean has just telephoned indicating number of C–47s instantly required is 18.