NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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Second. Special telephone lines installed maintained and operated by Chinese personnel.
Third. Forty 37 mm. anti-aircraft guns radar-controlled at Dien Bien Phu. These guns operated by Chinese and evidently are from Korea. These AA guns are now shooting through clouds to bring down French aircraft.
Fourth. One thousand supply trucks of which 500 have arrived since 1 March, all driven by Chinese army personnel.
Fifth. Substantial material help in guns, shells, etc., as is well known.
Bidault said that French Chief of Air Staff wished US be informed that US air intervention at Dien Bien Phu could lead to Chinese Communist air attack on delta airfields . Nevertheless, government was making request for aid.
Bidault closed by saying that for good or evil the fate of Southeast Asia now rested on Dien Bien Phu. He said that Geneva would be won or lost depending on outcome at Dien Bien Phu, this was reason for French request for this very serious action on our part.
He then emphasized necessity for speed in view of renewed attack which is expected before end of week. He thanked US for prompt action on airlift for French paratroops. He then said that he had received Dulles' proposal for Southeast Asian coalition, and that he would answer as soon as possible later in week as restricted Cabinet session not competent to make this decision.
New Subject. I passed on Norstad' s concern that news of airlift (DEPTEL 3470 , April 3) might leak as planes assembled, Ploven was called into room. He expressed extreme concern as any leak would lead to earlier Viet Minh attack. He said at all costs operation must be camouflaged as training exercise until troops have arrived. He is preparing them as rapidly as possible and they will be ready to leave in a week. Bidault and Laniel pressed him to hurry up departure date of troops and he said he would do his utmost.
DILLON
AB:MRS/12
NOTE: This message was read by Mr. MacArthur (C) at 10:15 p.m. and he informed the Secretary, Under Secretary Smith, Mr. Merchant (EUR) and Admiral Radford at 10:30 p.m. 4/4/54 CWO/FED
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