Office of the Historian

117. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1

Washington, April 12, 1955—7:45 p.m.

3622. You should inform Foreign Office orally of following and state we hope receive reply soon:

1.
General Collins has told us of conclusion of General Ely that Diem will have to be replaced by a new president. We assume that Ely’s views constitute those of French Government.
2.
From start, U.S. and France have recognized that no ideal solution was available for situation in South Vietnam. Our course was based on an effort to choose best among the available alternatives, each of which had disadvantages. Accordingly, in order evaluate conclusion of General Ely U.S. would have to know what alternative is actually proposed. Without prejudice to our present position we would want to know:
a.
Who would succeed Diem with best prospects carry out governmental programs and strengthen Free Vietnam?
b.
When is it proposed that any change would take place?
c.
What action would be taken to ensure governmental control of National police now under Binh Xuyen?
d.
What procedure would be followed in any proposed change?
e.
How do French propose to ensure sects’ support of a new government?
f.
What support could new government count on from French forces?
3.
If the French government is now proposing that U.S. support an alternative for Diem, we would appreciate detailed and specific answers to these questions. In order permit matter to be discussed effectively, we would suggest that French government send a representative to Washington as promptly as possible to discuss its proposals.
4.
FYI Embassies Paris and Saigon will note we have recognized problem French proposal that U.S. agree to join with French in discussing replacement Diem. We wish to preserve this perspective and avoid issue being described as arising out of U.S. initiative. We do not wish in any way prejudice U.S. position to a decision as to an alternative to Diem, pending comprehensive reply by the French. End FYI.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/4–1255. Top Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Bowie and Young and cleared for transmission by Robertson. Also sent priority to Saigon as 4487.↩