751G.13/10–2554: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
priority
1565. For Ambassador from Secretary. Reference my talk with Mendes-France and Eden Oct 23 and your 1737 rptd Saigon 2242 please deliver following message from me to Mendes-France:
Begin text:
“I was very glad to have had a useful talk with you on Indochina. On my return I have consulted again with my advisers on this complex and disturbing situation. I am fully aware of risks involved and difficulties in finding practicable clear-cut solutions. I also remain convinced of the need for effective action by both our govts to break the dangerous stalemate in Saigon and to consolidate a govt of national union around Diem.
“Ambassador Dillon has reported his conversations with you and with M. la Chambre and M. Parodi. I assure you that none of us on our side has had the slightest idea of questioning the good faith of the French Govt with regard to carrying out our agreed policies in Indochina. In particular we appreciate the efforts which M. la Chambre and General Ely, in consultation with Ambassador Heath, have made during past few weeks. On other hand, many French officials have not concealed their belief that Diem has failed, creating an impasse in Saigon, and that he should be replaced. It was apparently a statement of our recognition of existence these views that has troubled M. la Chambre and Gen Ely.
“It was precisely to attempt to resolve political impasse Saigon by giving Diem increased possibilities of consolidating a govt that we instructed Amb Heath to deliver President’s letter at this time. We considered our action as being in furtherance of the understandings reached at Washington and, specifically, in support of the efforts made by M. la Chambre and Gen Ely, together with Amb Heath, to consolidate the Diem Govt. Our actions are designed to stimulate Vietnamese Govt under Diem, and particularly the Vietnamese military organization, to concentrate on imperative tasks that require urgent Vietnamese attention. We would like to help provide a broadened outlet for constructive actions by Vietnamese civil and military authorities.
“Our instructions to Amb Heath on Oct 22,3 which are quoted below, should generally reassure you concerning various points that have been raised:
‘US Ambassador is requested to undertake necessary discussions and negotiations with Govt of Free Vietnam and local French authorities to obtain agreements (a) ensuring US MAAG
[Page 2194]Saigon will have necessary authority, responsibility, and freedom of action to carry out an urgent but limited program designed to bring about an improvement in the loyalty and the effectiveness of the Free Vietnamese forces in the hope that within the immediate future the present Diem Govt can be strengthened to such an extent that longer-range programs can be decided upon with a reasonable expectation of success; (b) assuring the cooperation, and assistance from Vietnamese and French authorities at all levels in Free Vietnam.’
“I believe that there is no question concerning need and importance of coordination. I am certain that you fully recognize also that US alone must of necessity control and administer funds which are appropriated by our Congress for direct aid to govts concerned. Thus whatever practical arrangements our people work out to assure effective coordination would not be for joint or tripartite control and administration of programs but for full exchange of views and information to prevent duplication and wasted effort and to avoid action without our knowing each other’s views and without pooling our knowledge of the facts. I am sure that by thus working together we can get maximum value out of our efforts to strengthen and support independence and security of Associated States.
“There may remain some differences of emphasis between us on certain details on procedure or timing, but I am sure we are in agreement on our basic goals in IC. I am convinced France and the US must work for establishment of a govt of national union around Diem to enable us to succeed in reaching our common goal of a strong and independent govt in Free Vietnam.”