39. Telegram From the Chargé in France (Achilles) to the Department of State1
3397. Rough translation follows of letter dated Feb 8 (original by pouch) from Edgar Faure to Secretary which handed to us by FonOff this afternoon: [Page 84]
“By letter dated Jan 24, 19552 you informed my predecessor of your suggestions for resolving the difficulties which had arisen with respect to our agreement on training of Vietnamese Army.
I am happy to state that following your proposal, our services have been able to settle the question rapidly. Thanks to the two letters delivery of which you have suggested and to joint recommendation which will be submitted to Vietnamese Govt,3 there will no longer remain in fact any divergence of views between us. Gen Ely has already received instructions to execute our arrangement in agreement with General Collins.
I know also that General Collins has renewed to General Ely assurances Dept has already given our Embassy, concerning conformity of training program with provisions of the agreement on cessation of hostilities in Vietnam. I know, more particularly, that number of American military personnel present at time of cease-fire will not be exceeded, that introduction of instructors and advisors will be carried out progressively and discreetly and that continuing consultations on this subject will be carried on between American and French representatives.
I thank you for personal part you have taken in concluding this arrangement which is fully in conformity with our common objectives.
Accept, etc.”
FonOff said letter had been prepared for Mendes but signed by Faure since he now holding post FonMin.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.5/2–1155. Secret. Repeated for information to Saigon.↩
- See Document 26.↩
- Texts in telegram 3343, infra.↩