611.51/11–2054: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1
priority
2055. Following is the verbatim text of common instructions addressed respectively by Prime Minister Mendes-France and Secretary Dulles to French and US representatives in the three Associated States:
As a result of our discussions in Washington we wish to inform you of our observations and to supplement the Minute of Understanding of Sept. 29, 1954, reached between M. LaChambre and General Smith.2
- 1.
- We recognize that close cooperation is essential between our two Governments at all levels in order to carry out our objectives. We have decided to hold periodic bilateral discussions in Washington at a high level to review developments, exchange information and evaluate progress.
- 2.
- Our primary concern is to promote the maximum effectiveness of our actions with respect to the three Associated States in order that they shall be vigorous and free. We recognize that competition between our two countries and our respective representatives would hinder progress. It is not the purpose of the United States to seek itself to supplant France in the three Associated States.
- 3.
- Therefore, we reaffirm the necessity for coordination between our representatives in the field and at local levels. We recognize that the methods and procedures for coordination should be kept as flexible as possible and should not become so rigid or restrictive as to prevent effective action from being taken.
- 4.
As regards paragraph 3 of Minute of Understanding of Sept. 29, 1954, it is understood that coordination is for the purpose of exchanging views and information. It should be achieved through informal and ad hoc discussions. These could, as appropriate, include interested officials of the Associated States, French representatives, United States field mission and others such as the United Kingdom, Australia, etc. The purpose is to avoid duplication or waste of effort.
In order to promote the achievement of common understanding, informal exchange of views between United States and French representatives shall precede any major decision. You are requested to make the appropriate detailed arrangements as soon as possible to carry out such cooperation. Such arrangements should take into account existing procedures and agreements established with the Associated States.
- 5.
- You are requested to provide appropriate guidance on the purposes of this message to respective French and American staffs in the three Associated States.