751G.00/12–2754
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of Philippine and Southeast Asian Affairs (Young)
top secret
[Washington,] December 27,
1954.
Subject:
- Viet-Nam
Participants:
- The Secretary
- Mr. Robertson
- Mr. Young
- Mr. Hoey
Mr. Robertson took up with the Secretary two basic problems: the French attitude toward the Ely–Collins memorandum and General Collins’ analysis of the political situation.
- 1.
- Ambassador Dillon reported that the Ely–Collins memorandum on the Vietnamese forces would create a serious political problem in France and probably result in considerable delay before the French Government approves it, if it ever does. This unwelcome news arrived during the crucial debate in the Assembly on the Paris Accords. The question is how should we proceed if the French delay or even fail to ratify the Ely–Collins agreement. The Secretary said that we would probably just have to accept the unfortunate fact that we would have to wait some time before the French Government would be able to act decisively on these matters. While the situation was extremely discouraging, there was always a reason to hope that something would come out of these situations. Mr. Robertson suggested that we explore the possibility of trying to work out some de facto bilateral arrangement with the Vietnamese Government. The Secretary thought this would be a fruitful line of approach. He read the text of the Ely—Collins agreement and could not see how the French would see anything to object to.
- 2.
- Mr. Robertson reviewed General Collins’ recent telegrams to the effect that the Government of Viet-Nam could not unify the dissident elements and that Bao Dai’s return seemed to be the only alternative for this purpose. Mr. Robertson also pointed out General Collins’ prognostication that the situation might become so bad that we would be compelled to reevaluate our own policy towards Viet-Nam. The Secretary commented that there were many long run political developments. He did concur, subject to qualification, with Collins’ suggestion that he talk to Diem about Bao Dai.
Comment
As a result of the above reported meeting Deptel 2644 was sent to Saigon and repeated to Paris as 2359. (Tab A)1