951G.61/10–1551: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation at Saigon
536. Legtel 8001 valuable in summarizing local press reaction to de Lattre visit. We find it difficult to believe that the Gen can honestly think that the coincidence of US views on IC with his own as demonstrated in Wash was only arrived at as the result of his presence. We are disturbed by, among other things, his reference in the Bao Dai msg to a radical change of Amer opinion. On the whole we are inclined to look upon the extravagant declarations and publicity as arising from the exaggerated reaction of a confirmed egotist who has recently passed through a grave crisis and is being carried away by his own enthusiasm fol a somewhat unexpected success. It is our hope that the Gen will soon come back to earth and it was with the purpose of accelerating his deflation that the Fr Min was called in Oct 12 and the facts together with our reaction presented to him.
Leg is fully aware of the actual facts concerning de Lattre–US conversations as in Min Heath. We suggest that the Min make such details known to the responsible auths in Vietnam, both Fr and Vietnamese, as may be necessary to correct any erroneous impressions. MAAG is aware that no formal request for equipment for proposed additional four divs was transmitted during the Gen’s stay. Mil aid talks were therefore ltd to the question of acceleration of aid already programmed. The actual results of these efforts are not yet established due to supply limitation which existed prior to the Gen’s arrival. There is however no question that there will be an acceleration in the flow of material as a result of additional efforts made by the appropriate mil auths fol de Lattre’s extremely effective presentation.
- Telegram 800 from Saigon, October 15, is not printed.↩