Office of the Historian

751G.00/7–2154: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1

confidential
Washington, July 21, 1954—6:05 p.m.

261. Defense today ordering suspension all MDAP shipments Indochina and diversion any shipments en route. Copy instruction sent MAAG Paris and Saigon for info. Question future shipments being considered by OCB.

Believe US relations with France and Associated States will be advanced if in addition learning this news through other channels those Governments are also informed by Embassy of this action. You should indicate action in line with armistice and will provide breathing space during which evacuation of arms and supplies from Delta can be undertaken and we can evaluate situation and develop future policy.2

Defense action made public.

Dulles
  1. Drafted by Beigel of WE. Also sent to Saigon as telegram 257, to Phnom Penh as telegram 7, and to Vientiane as telegram 4.↩
  2. In telegram 326 from Paris, July 24, Ambassador Dillon reported that the Embassy had informed the Foreign Ministry that all MDAP shipments to Indochina had been suspended. (751G.00/7–2454)↩