Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part V. B. 2. b.djvu/272

 751G.00/5-2852: Top Secret File

1, Tripartite meeting held this morning on Indochina with Prime Minister Pinsy presiding and Schuman, Pleven, Quaville and Letourneau present.

2. French stressed obstacles to rapid increase French military strength under EDC commitments as (1) French effort Indochina (2) financial difficulties and again raised questions whether French effort Indochina regarded as in purely French interest or in general Allied interest and whether SEA considered of sufficient strategic importance justify continued French effort. French also emphasized Indochina part of European defense problem. They explained effort build up Associated States national armies to total approx 200,000 men and described limits on French action as (1) financial (2) cadres and (3) material. While expressing appreciation US aid, Pinay, Pleven and Schuman made clear France could not (rpt not) continue bear alone such great share Indochinese burden. They pointed out serious difficulties French Govt would face in National Assembly in connection ratification EDC treaty, approval military budget and continuation Indochinese effort and Pleven earnestly asked that reply to French request for increased aid for national armies be given as quickly and as generously as possible.

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