751G.5/3–1751: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
5504. From MacArthur.1 Reurtel 714, March 17, rptd Dept 1646.2 De Lattre saw Gen Eisenhower this morning. Fol is summary of conversation:
De Lattre told Gen Eisenhower he was expecting largescale Viet [Page 402] Minh attack (about 85 battalions) between Mar 20 and April 5. He expected repel this attack but because of lack strategic reserves he wld be unable subsequently to counterattack and destroy Viet Minh forces. Rainy season wld then set in during which Viet Minh with Chi assistance wld regroup for massive attack next Sept.
De Lattre said he was asking French Govt for twelve battalions infantry. These forces coupled with Vietnam battalions he was organizing and training wld permit him repel Viet Minh offensive in Sept and then pass to counterattack and deal Viet Minh forces decisive blow. Successful carrying out this plan wld have great effect uniting all Vietnam elements in solid opposition to Ho and wld also win support of substantial group Vietnam fencesitters. Furthermore, Chi Commies were practical people and when they saw their aid to Ho was resulting in no real accomplishment they wld be less ready to see it frittered away.
De Lattre said he realized Gen Eisenhower cld not intervene directly this matter. Said everyone in French Govt but Moch and possibly Schuman wld support his request. He hoped if Gen’s opinion were sought he would bear foregoing in mind and wld adopt as benevolent an attitude as possible. Also said he wld guarantee that if the twelve French battalions were loaned him he would return them to integrated NAT force by Mar ’52 and that they wld then represent battle-trained and effective troops.
Gen Eisenhower expressed sympathy for problems De Lattre was facing in IC and said if matter were referred SHAPE it wld be most carefully studied.
Mtg took place in atmosphere of cordiality and good will. De Lattre mentioned twice fine work Heath was doing in IC.
Dept pass Saigon 360; rptd Dept 5504. [MacArthur.]