396.1 GE/5–2654: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Department of State
Secto 313. Repeated information Paris 340, Saigon 119. Re Sectos 2611 and 265.2 Member USDel today told Ngo Dinh Luyen, Bao Dai’s personal emissary, that General Smith has no comment for present [Page 937] regarding various questions as to US action in certain contingencies (question referred mainly to US intervention if French pull out, to US direct assistance for Vietnamese Army and US views on political developments in Vietnam including particularly Bao Dai’s alleged project of replacing Buu Loc with Ngo Dinh Diem).
Ngo Dinh Luyen was told Under Secretary appreciates contact established and that in addition Under Secretary believes, if Bao Dai concurs, that further meeting between Bao Dai and Under Secretary might be useful in event Bao Dai plans to be in Geneva neighborhood. Date of such meeting tentatively suggested as late next week after forthcoming French Assembly debate.
We have endeavored impress Ngo Dinh Luyen with USDel view that (a) nothing should be done to weaken French determination to react vigorously in present military emergency in Tonkin and (b) major importance that all positive elements on free world side (including Bao Dai) should be united and move forward in most coordinated fashion possible.
Ngo Dinh Luyen tells us decision as to Ngo Dinh Diem’s departure for Saigon not yet firm.