751G.00/6–354: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
4694. Repeated information Geneva 350. Dept limit distribution. Geneva eyes only Under Secretary. As has been reported to Defense by MA and MAAG (Embtel 4693)1 MAAG Paris was approached yesterday by French Ministry of Defense regarding formation of 3 new divisions for Indochina, using cadres from existing French NATO divisions now in Germany. French said they wld require equipment for these 3 new divisions and indicated that equipment cld either be delivered to Indochina from our Far Eastern stocks provided it wld be avail prior to planned arrival of divisions, or divisions wld take necessary material with them from France.
To the extent that we are unable to provide equipment, French have indicated that they will take equipment from divisions presently assigned NATO and request US to replace this equipment so as to return their NATO forces to full strength. French Defense Ministry [Page 1664] furnishing MAAG with detailed request for equipment which MAAG will forward to Defense in due course.
I wld like to make foll purely political comments on this subj:
- 1.
- In order to maintain French will to resist in Indochina I feel it is most important to tell French promptly that in principle we will do whatever is necessary to get them the equipment for these divisions.
- 2.
- We should make no objection to the weakening of French NATO forces that will result from organization of these new divisions. This is particularly important in view of coming debate on EDC, as creation of these divisions will provide example of flexibility in European situation and ability of French to withdraw troops as necessary for support of French Union.
- 3.
- We shld clearly indicate our willingness to very promptly supply any equipment necessary to bring French NATO forces back up to present standards. This also very important from EDC point of view so as to indicate to French that there will be no weakening of their European military position vis-à-vis Germany.
- Telegram 4693 from Paris, June 3, concerning the French reinforcement plan, is not printed. (751G.00/6–354)↩