NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
TOP SECRET
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
| FROM: | Saigon |
| TO: | Secretary of state |
| NO: | 5074, May 5, 9 p.m. (SECTION FOUR OF FOUR) |
NIACT
SENT DEPARTMENT 5074, REPEATED INFORMATION NIACT PARIS 1305
8. Conclusions.
A. It would appear to me that the essential steps in reconstitution of joint American-French approach to situation in Vietnam should be as follows:
(1) Diem government should be fully supported in bringing to a final and quick solution its conflict with the Binh Xuyen.
(A) This will require on part of French, not only in Paris but more importantly in Saigon, that genuine assistance rather than passive self-obstruction be offered to Vietnamese Government and armed forces.
(B) Specifically, General Ely should be directed take active steps to persuade Binh Xuyen to withdraw their forces from three police posts remaining within French security zone in Saigon, or if Binh Xuyen refuse, then to permit Vietnam armed forces to reduce these posts with minimum of casualties.
(C) All echelons of French bureaucracy, including armed forces, should be instructed to desist from agitating against Diem government.
(D) Official pressure, both in Paris and Saigon, should be brought upon Radio France-Asia, a semi-governmental institution, to cease its attacks on Diem government.
(E) Such steps as may be possible should be taken to persuade French pressmen to cease their attacks, particularly in Saigon.
(F) French garrison in Saigon-Cholon should be reduced without delay.
(G) There should be a public announcement by appropriate French authorities of their full support of Diem government in present conflict with Binh Xuyen. possible to assist organization and training of essential logistical services of Vietnamese armed forces so as to make them as independent as possible of FEC. This is under way in accordance with my instructions to MAAG.
