751G.00/6–1554: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
priority
[Received 3:17 p.m.]
2787. Repeated information Paris 990. Although I sympathize with Navarre’s position, I do not feel that we can usefully send him any message along lines indicated Deptel 2597 repeated Paris 4558.1 Navarre departed from his so-called “Navarre Plan” last December without notice to us although he knew our 385 million-dollar budgetary support was predicated on fulfillment of that plan. Furthermore, Dien Bien Phu, for which he alone is responsible, will probably prove to be political Stalingrad of this war. Since all French generals on leaving Indochina write books, for us now to send him sympathetic message would merely provide him with a new chapter of exculpation.
- Telegram 2597 to Saigon, June 14, read as follows: “Do you think it to advantage U.S. that some message be passed Navarre prior his departure? Occasion his relief would appear give opportunity for expression sincere understanding of magnitude of job he has held and any other points you consider appropriate.” (751G.00/6–954)↩