751G.00/4–254: Telegram
The Ambassador at Saigon (Heath) to the Department of State
niact
[Received 2:45 a.m.]
1866. Sent Paris niact 599; repeated information Hanoi 329, Manila 186, Tokyo 65, Singapore 54. Situation at Dien Bien Phu is very grave. Prevented by bad flying weather from dropping reinforcements yesterday, French made desperate effort last night to drop one battalion from C–47s proceeding in trail toward “Huguette”. However, at moment drop was about to commence, enemy launched violent attack on northern sector of “Huguette” and most of drop was canceled, only 50 men being landed by parachute. In furious fighting, Viet Minh took position 7 in “Huguette”. This is the northwest strong point and consists of a fairly high hill, thus affording enemy close-in observation over the entire position.
Yesterday’s drop of ammunition, like that of preceding day, resulted in half supplies falling in enemy hands. With half what did reach DeCastries, French estimate that at current rates of fire, garrison has only sufficient ammunition to last until tomorrow morning. [Page 1210] A new attempt will be made today to drop both ammunition and reinforcements, but weather continues bad. DeCastries has indicated that if he had three battalions of reinforcements, position would be “guaranteed”, but that minimum of two battalions was essential if Dien Bien Phu was not to be lost.
Meanwhile other military observers, including General Hinh, feel that Navarre’s attention has been so fixed on Dien Bien Phu that there is danger of his neglecting what they regard to be even greater peril in Tonkin Delta. They conjecture that General Giap might indeed be pleased if Navarre should deplete his reserves to succor DeCastries, as this might make possible an effective action in delta, including possibility of capture Hanoi by storm, or internal uprising.
It is reported Navarre has been ordered (presumably by French Government) to cancel third phase of Operation Atlante. In fact, many observers are mystified why good units such as Korea Battalion are being used in this currently empty operation at time when peril is so great, both in delta and Dien Bien Phu.