120.251G/11–154: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
niact
1608. For Ambassador Dillon from Secretary. FYI the President has given further consideration to rapidly deteriorating situation in Vietnam. The major aspects of situation there are the continuing civil-military conflict and the reported expansion of Viet Minh influence and control. In view imminent change in US Chief of Mission in Saigon, the President has decided to send Gen. J. Lawton Collins as Special US Representative with personal rank of Ambassador to Saigon on a temporary mission to continue efforts already begun to coordinate and direct US activities in Vietnam in support of US policy objectives. There should be overlap of a few days between Ambassador Heath and Gen. Collins. After Heath’s departure Kidder will act as [Page 2201] Chargé d’Affaires. While it is difficult to estimate how long Gen. Collins mission will require, we can assume forty to sixty days with possibly ninety days at most. His terms of reference are in separate telegram.2 End FYI.
It is essential that the Governments of Vietnam and France be informed about the President’s decision before any public announcement is made. Accordingly, you are requested immediately to inform Mendes-France, or in his absence appropriate high authority, as follows:
Begin message. I have read with great interest Ambassador Dillon’s report of M. LaChambre’s suggestion, following my telegram to you of Friday, Oct 29, that both US and French representatives in Saigon be given greater degree of authority.3 I have taken this matter up with the President who immediately agreed. The President has designated Gen. J. Lawton Collins as Special US Representative with the personal rank of Ambassador to direct and coordinate an urgent emergency program to help meet the threats to Vietnam’s independence and security. As you may know Ambassador Heath’s tour of duty in Saigon is completed and he is about to leave. For a limited period of sixty to ninety days thereafter Gen. Collins will have broad authority to direct, utilize and control all agencies and resources of the US Government with respect to Vietnam. Gen. Collins will be temporarily relieved of his duties as US Representative on the Military Committee of NATO. He has the complete confidence of the President, myself and other interested Departments and Agencies. His wide contacts with French officials, particularly with Gen. Ely, will enable him to provide effective assistance in helping to meet urgent tasks in Vietnam. The visits which Gen. Collins has already made to Vietnam while Chief of Staff US Army have familiarized him with the background. I believe this action of the President is responsive to M. LaChambre’s point. End message.
I desire that you act on above instructions immediately and report your conversations urgently so that plans can proceed for public announcement if possible Tuesday afternoon Washington time, and with departure late Wednesday, November 3, 1954, for Saigon.4 Heath should orally inform Gen. Ely.
- Drafted by Young of PSA. Repeated niact to Saigon for information as telegram 1808.↩
- Regarding the terms of reference for General Collins, see letter from the President to Collins, Nov. 3, p. 2205.↩
- See telegram 1565 to Paris, Oct. 29, p. 2193, and telegram 1835 from Paris, Oct. 30, p. 2196.↩
- In telegram 1844 from Paris, Nov. 2, Dillon reported the following: “In absence both Mendes and La Chambre and at suggestion Mendes’ office letter to Mendes containing message given your 1608 handed Margerie this morning with copy to Saint-Mleux, La Chambre’s Chef de Cabinet. Both expressed appreciation and keen interest in this step. Presumably no objection immediate announcement.” (751G.13/11–254) The Ambassador added the following later in the day in telegram 1858: “Margerie confirms Mendes pleased and entirely agreeable immediate announcement.” (751G.13/11–254)↩