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Fourth meeting, Thursday, September 14, 3:00 p.m.

IV. (Agenda Item 7 A)


 * 10. M. Schuman expressed his approval of the statements on Indo-China in the paper on Southeast Asia (Doc. 8, Sept. 1, 1950) . He wished, however, to make a few additional comments. France favored large national armies in Indo-Chlna. There were already 77,000 troops in the armies of the three Associated States and 44,000 Indo-Chinese nationals in the army of the French Union. Great difficulties were being encountered in building up the national armies. There was difficulty in finding an adequate staff of trained officers and in financing the equipment for the troops. The French Union army in Indo-China now numbered 150,000 men. Financing of this army also imposed a heavy burden on France and assistance was urgently needed. The proximity of Communist China was an additional threat which made it necessary for France to request direct tactical air support from the United States in the event of Chinese Communist aggression. This was in addition to the present need of France for aircraft in Indo-China. Finally, in connection with the tripartite conversations mentioned in part B of Document 8, France would selcome [sic] in particular military talks to discuss the means of meeting Chinese Communist attacks on Indo-China.

Rh