790.5/12–2251: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
3765. Personal attention Secretary. Ref my immediately preceding cable.
Informal translation Pleven note follows:
“Prime Minister French Govt calls attention of US Govt to fact that possibility of Chi intervention in Indochina appears to be becoming more definite.
Analysis of entirety intelligence reports concerning South China and assistance given Viet Minh by Mao Tse-Tung Govt gives fol results:
Effectives of Chi forces stationed southern provinces bordering on Tonkin have increased in last six months from 170,000 to 290,000 men.
South China communications network and particularly roads leading to Tonkin border being constantly reconditioned and already much improved in correlation this improvement of South China rail and road system, highways in Viet Minh area of north Tonkin are being reconditioned. For instance Kunming–Yen Bay road now open to traffic.
Lastly, Chi matériel aid to Viet Minh has vastly increased over last three months. During recent operations French have ascertained [Page 572] that great part captured equipment was of US origin and have seized arms dated 1950 which apparently are part war booty Chi troops in Korea.
Furthermore, analysis of Chi press over last few weeks shows that emphasis once more placed on struggle of Viet Minh against French Union forces Indochina.
Quite clear that while Franco-Viet forces are successfully standing up to Viet Minh activities, nonetheless true that former do not possess strategic reserves (“masse de manoeuvre”) necessary to oppose Chi attack.
Consequently French Govt considers it of utmost importance that conversations which were to take place between US, UK and French following recommendations of Singapore conference commence immediately. It desires that this wish be brought to personal attention of President Truman.”
Dept pass Saigon, sent Dept 3765, rptd info London 1005, Saigon 215.