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FOR RELEASE AT 7:00 A.M., E.D.T., SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1953.…

In response to an invitation from the French Prime Minister, when he visited Washington last March, a United States Military Mission headed by Lt. General John W. O'Daniel presently commander United States Army Pacific will arrive Saigon June 20. Its purpose will be to pursue discussions with General Henri Navarre, Commander in Chief Indochina, on the manner in which United States material and financial support of the effort of the French and Associated States armed forces in Indochina may best contribute to the advancement of the objective of defeating the Communist forces there and of bringing peace and security to Viet-Nam, Cambodia and Laos, It is believed essential to insure an increasingly close integration of United States assistance with the plans developed by the authorities of France and of the Associated States.

Arrangements are being made for the military leaders of the Associated States to participate in these discussions. The vital role of the national armies of Viet-Nam, Cambodia and Laos and the increasingly important assumption of high military responsibilities by the Associated States will make these discussions of particular interest.

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