751G.00/4–2554: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
[Received 6:03 a.m.]
4058. Sent Geneva niact 121, repeated information Department 4058, London 967. For Secretary. Following message from M. Bidault dated April 24 delivered Embassy by hand:
Verbatim Translation Text:
“Dear Monsieur le Secretary of State,
“I have just received the letter that you have addressed to me after our conversations of this afternoon.
“I confine myself at present only to the observations that the conditions that you present on the military consequences of the intervention that we have asked of the Government of the United States.
“The opinion of our military experts, confirmed today even by a general officer who has established himself at Dien-Bien-Phu, and knows well the terrain, is that a massive intervention of American aviation would still be able to save the garrison. It is also the opinion of our command that the Viet Minh has effected for the attack of the fortress an exceptional concentration of forces and material engaging there the essential of his battle corps. This accumulation of means accomplished for the first time by the Viet Minh provides an occasion which will likely not be found again to destroy by air action a large part of the enemy forces. Finally taking place when the rainy season begins, this action could interrupt the supply of the Viet Minh under conditions which would put in danger the remainder of its forces.
“It is not excluded that a situation presently difficult be thus transformed into perhaps a decisive blow against the Viet Minh.
“Amicalement
(signed) Bidault”.1
In telegram 124 to Geneva, Apr. 25, repeated to Washington for information as telegram 4061, Ambassador Dillon reported the following: “A copy of M. Bidault’s message, text of which contained reference telegram [4058], was shown British Ambassador Sir Gladwyn Jebb this afternoon. Latter has informed Foreign Office London contents message by telegram and will provide copy to Mr. Eden, on his arrival Paris this afternoon en route Geneva together with copy Secretary’s letter.” (751G.00/4–2554) For text of the letter from Secretary Dulles to Foreign Minister Bidault, see telegram Dulte 1 from Geneva, Apr. 24, p. 1398.
Telegram Dulte 8 from Secretary Dulles at Geneva, Apr. 26, repeated for information to Paris and London, read as follows: “I see no purpose in making written reply to Bidault’s letter to me of April 24 (Re Paris’ 121, April 25 to Geneva, repeated information Department 4058, London 967) and consequently do not intend to continue this exchange.” (751G.00/4–2654)
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