Office of the Historian

751G.00/10–1654: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State

confidential
Paris, October 16, 1954—1 p.m.

1608. Repeated information Saigon 197. Press here tending stress that portion Senator Mansfield report1 “In event of Diem losing power, U.S. should consider an immediate suspension of all aid to Vietnam and French Union Forces.” Although we aware during Senator Mansfield’s visit Paris he apparently convinced Diem formula offers only hope solution, as Department and Embassy Saigon aware, French and Bao Dai, while in agreement support Diem as result Washington talks, do not think Diem likely succeed and believe we may all have to reach some agreement on substitute formula if Diem should fail. On other hand, as portrayed press here, Senator Mansfield’s report does not appear to allow for any substitute formula in such an eventuality.

Whereas we believe Senator Mansfield’s forthright appraisal weaknesses all too evident south Vietnamese political fabric may serve to bring home to all Vietnamese political elements greater awareness urgency of situation and necessity reconcile internal differences if continued [Page 2142] external assistance to be expected; we believe it should also be kept in mind that pessimistic tenor Senator Mansfield report may tend increase conviction certain quarters here that South Vietnam finished (since they feel certain Diem cannot succeed) and it perhaps best to begin “betting on Vietminh to win race while only playing South Vietnam in meanwhile to place or show.” We also inclined find somewhat disquieting implication rigidity contained press versions Senator Mansfield’s report to effect Diem only solution and if he goes down all is lost. We cannot help but feel that we must continue try save South Vietnam regardless individual personalities involved including Diem.2

Dillon
  1. Regarding the Mansfield report, published Oct. 15, see footnote 2, p. 1997.↩

  2. In a memorandum of Oct. 15 summarizing the Mansfield report for the Secretary of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary Drumright set forth the following basic conclusion: “Senator Mansfield’s report should greatly strengthen the Diem Government and give its opponents pause to consider. Mansfield’s criticism of American policy is not unbearable. It is put forward in an effort to help and is not partisan in nature.” (PSA files, lot 58 D 207, “Viet-Nam. Senator Mansfield”)

    On Oct. 17, Ambassador Heath reported the following from Saigon (telegram 1478): “Senator Mansfield’s declaration was reported by Vietnam Presse as including recommendation that US suspend aid if Diem Government fell and take new look at situation and criticizing Hinh. It has evidently made impact on French and Vietnamese official circles. Diem and his supporters are jubilant. Anti-Diem groups are angry. Xuan in his talk with Ely and me yesterday referred sourly to the ‘unfortunate Mansfield statement.’” (751G.00/10–1754)

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