396.1 GE/5–2454: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation 1

top secret
priority

Tedul 121. Reference Dultes 1032 and 107.3 Your talk with Bidault effectively clears way for developing direct personal contact between you and Bao Dai.4 Reports your further conversations with Bao Dai will assist us in decisions which may have to be taken quickly.

Despite rapid course of events in Vietnam, we fear that Bao Dai and Buu Loc government lack sense urgency and believe we should do all possible to encourage them to initiate prompt and radical action.

As indicated, FYI portion Tedul 1105 was intended serve only as background and not as subject specific discussion.

Dulles
  1. Drafted by Sturm of FE/PSA. Repeated to Paris as telegram 4244 and to Saigon as telegram 2403.
  2. Dated May 24, p. 900.
  3. Dated May 24, p. 902.
  4. Smith reported in telegram Dulte 115, May 26, that “through intermediary appointed by Bao Dai I have suggested a conversation with Bao Dai but have indicated this might take place after French Assembly debate on Indochina now scheduled for June 1st.” (396.1 GE/5–2654)
  5. Dated May 22, p. 892.