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-3- 4287, May 10, 1 p.m., from Paris.Control 3907 As a specific request, Laniel asked that a US General officer, fully familiar with the terrain and conditions in Indochina be sent to Paris immediately to confer with General Ely, Pleven and himself. He said that at least in the first instance, it would be imperative to preserve the utmost secrecy concerning this mission and that the only people who would be informed of it, in addition to the three previously effort. He emphasized the great need for speed and hoped that he could have an answer in principle very shortly to his request for advice from a US General. If the answer were favorable, the US General should arrive before the end of the week in order to be fully effective.

DILLON DU:VB/11

Mr. Sturm's office (FE) notified 5/10/2:12 p.m.

Mr. Fisher's office (WE) notified 5/ 10/ 2:12 p.m.

Rh