751G.5 MAP/8–750: Telegram
The Minister at Saigon (Heath) to the Secretary of State
172. Mr. Melby has presented a pessimistic but valuable appraisal of Indochina problem. (Legtel 171, August 7.)1 We must, of course, recognize possibility that present French policy and efforts may not succeed. Moreover, an occasional appearance of a pessimistic review of problem is probably salutary for us who are working on it. Carefully conveyed, such expressions would probably also be salutary for French and might spur them to greater determination, imaginative effort and further useful compromises with Viet nationalism.
It is most decidedly our conviction, however, that it is premature to say that French will only be able to “hold the lid on Indochina kettle for the predictable, if relatively limited, future”. It is at least premature to write off our new policy of both encouraging local nationalism and French efforts in Indochina. Melby will agree to this.
We have only just started on our program of economic and military aid to Indochina states and French. Operation of these programs will give us legitimate opportunity for useful counsel. Influence vis-à-vis both French and associate states. It might be well to say here that French military opinion here still generally holds that Viet Minh guerrilla and terrorism activities can within two years be reduced to local police portions unless, of course, Chinese Communists greatly step up aid and/or actually fight in Viet Minh operations.
General Alessandri, who cleared much of Bed River delta last year, takes even more hopeful view and also favors much greater participation of Viets local military units under their own leadership than has so far been approved by Saigon Command.
If Department desires, will be glad to review, in light Melby’s telegram, prospects for French policies and collaterally for American policies in Indochina. Suggest that Melby’s telegram in reference be repeated Paris.
Sent Department 172, repeated info Paris 80.
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