Office of the Historian

751G.5 MSP/10–2854: Telegram

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

secret
Paris, October 28, 1954—2 p.m.

1795. Repeated information Saigon 230, Bangkok 8, New Delhi 14, London 492, Vientiane 12. Limit distribution. Foreign Office handed [Page 2192] us this morning four aide-mémoires all dated October 26 on subjects raised by Mendes-France in his conversation with the Secretary, Sir Anthony Eden and Ambassador Dillon October 23. Foreign Office stated positions taken in aide-mémoires had been approved by Mendes and that similar aide-mémoires delivered British.

Summary outline four aide-mémoires follows, free translation texts of which being incorporated succeeding telegram:1

(1)
French Government desires associate British in coordination French–US economic and technical assistance programs to three IC States and suggests that liaison be established in each of three capitals IC States between local British representative and tripartite committees (French–US and IC State concerned) agreed upon at Washington to assure coordination French–US economic and technical assistance programs with each of the IC States.
(2)
French Government desires obtain support US and British Governments for French membership Colombo plan. Aide-mémoire points out France should participate Colombo plan in view relationship between Manila pact and Colombo plan in order better coordinate such Colombo plan aid as might be forthcoming for IC States. Aidemémoire adds that presence India ICC and recent settlement French Indian establishment problem should modify Indian opposition manifested 1950 to French membership Colombo plan.
(3)
Government underlines desirability in view precarious political situation Laos, with particular reference provinces Phong Saly and Sam Neua, of US satisfying as soon possible General Ely’s recent request to MAAG Saigon for temporary loan aircraft (six Beavers and six helicopters) to ICC with principal view enabling latter carry out effectively its functions Laos.
(4)
French Government states collusion between Communist Pathet Lao and dissident Lao movement directed from Thailand by Prince Petsarath (which responsible for assassination Lao Defense Minister) appears to be established, and calls for tripartite (French-British) approach to Thailand Government. Bangkok in effort persuade latter government put an end to activities in Thailand of Prince Petsarath and his accomplices. French Government also underlines desirability French–US–British approaching Lao Government Vientiane in effort try convince Lao Government of necessity strengthening its efforts directed against all subversive elements Laos.

Dillon
  1. The free translation was sent to Washington in telegram 1800, Oct. 28. (751G.5 MSP/10–2854) Copies of the French texts of the four Aide-Mémoires were transmitted in despatch 877 from Paris, Oct. 29. (751G.5 MSP/10–2954)↩