751G.5 MSP/7–254: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
25. Repeated information Hanoi 7. For some time past both Embassy and MAAG have vigorously pressed with French matter of supplying arms to Governor Tri’s militia with little result as set forth in Hanoi’s reports. Problem has developed into all too familiar pattern where Governor Tri appeals to Consulate and Embassy, MAAG and Embassy put pressure on French, French promise action, and Tri still does not get his guns.
After so many unproductive approaches to French, MAAG and Embassy now believe that matter rests between French and Tri and that question has moved from one of straight supply of equipment to [Page 1774] political problem where we are faced with apparent French decision to withhold arms. With deteriorating situation in north and with withdrawal of French forces from large areas of delta to limited defense perimeter, it will be increasingly difficult to argue against possible French contention that rifles now delivered to militia will probably soon fall into Viet Minh hands.
In light of above, Embassy and MAAG believe it unwise to further pressure French on the matter.