751G.5/3–2351: Telegram
The Minister at Saigon (Heath) to the Secretary of State
1693. Intelligence continues to confirm imminence of major Viet Minh attack which even French now admit may have closer issue than January Vinh Yen offensive. De Lattre’s preparations seem well in hand and his intelligence on enemy plans unusually complete. Basis uncertainty is intentions Chinese Communists during or immediately after Viet Minh attack. There is some reason to fear that absence clear-cut US statement re consequences Chinese Communist invasion may tip scales Chinese Communist leadership in favor aggression or might even weaken Fr resolve for all-out defense.
I wish to propose, therefore, that statement warning against invasion be issued either by Secretary, Departmental spokesman or by [Page 410] me in Saigon. Last might be preferable if adverse US press comment followed. I wld suggest brief statement on following lines:
“Reports coming to our attention point to steady build-up of Chinese Communist forces and military stockpiles in South China. While these accumulations may be only part of war of nerves, which Chinese Communists have been waging for some time against independent Associated States Governments, an overt invasion by Chinese armies, or an overt aggression by Chinese ‘volunteers’ of the territory of the Associated States wld not fail to constitute a grave threat to the peace of the world.”
If statement is to have desired effects, it shld be made soonest, subject, of course, to prior Fr approval.1
Sent Dept 1693; rptd info Paris 727.
- Telegram 1249 to Saigon, March 23 (repeated to Paris for information as telegram 5104), read as follows: “Dept’s immediate reaction to proposal contained urtel 1693, Mar 23 is that statement cannot be made at this time. Dept giving constant attention this matter and urges you continue report all available intelligence info. You will be kept informed of US intentions as situation develops.” (751G.5/3–2351)↩