July 2 1954 Telegram to Ambassadors


 * SENT TO: Amembassy PARIS 39
 * RPTD INFO: Amembassy SAIGON 31, Amconsul GENEVA 9
 * REDEPTEL 4852, June 28; Saigon 2746; Geneva 489

It seems to me that new Vietnamese Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem, who has reputation of uncompromising nationalist, is quite in the dark about developments critically affecting country he is trying to lead. We fear that if results of French negotiations with Communists are revealed to him as a fait accompli, the very reaction French wish to avoid will result.

You should therefore indicate our concern to the French and ascertain their own intentions with respect to consulting him or minimizing his resentment and their views with respect to plans and prospects for maintaining order in South Vietnam.


 * (signed by), John Foster Dulles