751G.55/8–1750: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
846. Pleven spoke to me yesterday about situation in Indochina. He said that only possible solution was to build up strong and sufficient native army thus making possible gradual withdrawal French Army for use on continent. He said that his plans for training additional [Page 861] 15 combat divisions here in forthcoming three years required bringing back as soon as practicable some of non-commissioned technicians from Indochina, and that they were lamentably short of both experienced officers and non-coms in the metropolitan establishment. He also stated that from the viewpoint of the people of the three associated states this was the only program that would convince them of the honesty of French intentions to give them full independence within the French Union.
Pleven said it was impossible for his government, however, because of lack of funds to implement this program further than it already has, since the expense of maintaining its own forces in Indochina were still mounting and would continue at an equally high rate while Indochinese officers and men were under instruction. It was for this reason that he had instructed Alphand at the deputies meeting in London to ask whether for this purpose the US would make available 200 billion francs over a two year period.1
The question of recruiting, equipping and training a native army in Indochina had, he understood, been considered by recent US missions there, and he knew that some of our officials had discussed it with Bao Dai. His government would welcome the replacement of French troops by indigenous forces and would aid in every way possible short of assuming an added financial burden which would directly impair its ability to increase its forces in west Europe.
He asked me to communicate the above to my government and to emphasize that an early answer, even if negative, was necessary for planning purposes.
Sent Department 846, repeated info Saigon 33. Department pass Saigon.