Office of the Historian

751G.00/5–3051: Telegram

The Minister at Saigon (Heath) to the Secretary of State

confidential
niact
Saigon, May 30, 1951—11 p. m.

2111. Dept pass Defense. I was informed in confidence early this evening Lieutenant de Lattre de Tassigny, only son of the General, had this day been killed near Hanoi. Details yet unknown. News will not be made public until sometime after midnight. I plan fly Hanoi tomorrow morning to present my condolences and attend requiem mass.

I believe it would be most appropriate and appreciated if personal messages of sympathy cld be cabled to General de Lattre by Secretary and by Secretary Defense or General Bradley.

Sent Dept niact 2111; rptd info Paris 864 (pass Eisenhower).

Heath