396.1 LO/9–3054: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at London1
Tosec 8. Re preceding telegram.2 Follows text minute of understanding agreed by US–French, representatives today.
“France and United States will continue support independence Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. This will include the completion transfer of powers in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, to free governments these States on orderly and progressive basis.
[Page 2101]We agree Viet Minh represents Communist force aggressively opposed to ideals and interests of free peoples of Associated States, France and United States. We will firmly oppose extension influence or control of Viet Minh movement having in mind positions taken by respective Governments in connection with Geneva agreements.
We will work toward political, military and economic goals in Indochina which will strengthen each of Associated States’ Governments and which will enable them maintain their independence. To this end, we are considering programs both economic assistance and aid to national armies enable latter assume full responsibility for defense their territories, to which French Forces Laos and Vietnam now contribute. The channel for French and U.S. economic aid, budgetary support and other assistance to each of Associated States will be direct to each state. Such programs will be planned and closely coordinated to assure maximum effectiveness through appropriate machinery established in agreement with interested Governments.
With respect to Vietnam, the representatives of France and United States agree their respective governments support M. Ngo Dinh Diem in establishment and maintenance of a strong, anti-Communist and nationalist government. To this end France and the United States will urge all anti-Communist elements in Vietnam cooperate fully with Government of Ngo Dinh Diem in order counter vigorously the Viet Minh and build a strong free Vietnam.”
We believe agreed points constitute highly useful support our policy.