Editorial Note
Charles E. Wilson, the Secretary of Defense, made the following announcement at his news conference of April 21, 1954:
“At the request of the French Government, the United States Air Force has undertaken to airlift certain French Union personnel to Indochina. Upon arrival in Indochina, the planes will land at airfields outside the zone of combat. The planes then will return to their regular stations.
“This is in line with present U.S. policy and in conformity with our existing military assistance program.” (Department of Defense Press Release No. 355–54, April 21, 1954; Department of Defense files)
The operation was carried out in late April and early May. Documentation on negotiations for overflight and landing rights and on other aspects of the airlift is in files 751G.00 and 751.551.