Office of the Historian

396.1 GE/3–2754: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1

secret
Washington, March 27, 1954—1:24 p.m.

3353. For the Ambassador. I am seriously concerned by what appear to be growing expectations in France that Geneva will produce a settlement for Indochina as a result of US concessions to Communist China. Apart from our estimate that, given present military and political situation in Indochina, any settlement negotiated in immediate future could only result in ultimate complete control of all Indochina by Communists, there is no possibility whatsoever of concessions by US to Communist China in return for any promises or agreements they might indicate their willingness to enter. Long experience has taught us that exchange of US performance for Communist promises is a swindle and we will have no part in it.

I cannot believe that France with its great history and its understandable desire to continue in a role of world leadership with the US and UK could contemplate acceptance of a settlement which under existing conditions would abandon millions of loyal Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians to the mercies of a cruel and ruthless enemy. This would be incompatible with the high moral purpose which has characterized France’s long history. To do so would result not only in the loss by France of her position in the Far East but in an abrupt decline in French prestige throughout the world with almost incalculable consequences.

I have no doubt of Bidault’s comprehension of this matter and I know that his resolution is shared by many Frenchmen in and outside the government. I believe, however, that you should lose no effective opportunity to make the foregoing points forcefully with individual French leaders and particularly with those who show signs of wavering. I believe that the full text of the speech I intend to make before the overseas writers March 292 can be usefully distributed and [Page 486] discreetly emphasized in France. It will deal with the problem of Indochina and Communist China. We must at all costs avoid the tragedy which would spring from French misunderstanding or wishful thinking concerning the fundamental position of the United States.

Dulles
  1. Drafted by Merchant of EUR. Repeated to London on Mar. 31 as telegram 5079.↩
  2. Secretary Dulles’ address made before the Overseas Press Club of America at New York City on Mar. 29. See editorial note, p. 487.↩