NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
TELEGRAM
2ND CORRECTED PAGE 2
-2- 133, July 11 9 p. m., from Paris. Control 4452
the result would undoubtedly be a massive Viet Minh assault during August prior to arrival of new troops.
Mendes said he doubted if French alone could successfully resist such an assault. He said that French Government would officially inform US of these facts at end of July if no cease-fire reached.
I reminded him of US requirements for action on our part, and he said he could not foretell how French Parliament might react. They might react strongly and request US help to continue the war or they might have what he termed a "nervous breakdown" and push for capitulation at any price to save expeditionary corps.
If no cease-fire, Mendes will resign, but in view of the above, I feel it is possible that if no cease-fire is reached the French Government which will succeed Mendes may appeal for US armed help, and may meet all US terms. Not possible to estimate timing of such an appeal but it could occur during August when US Congress no longer in session.
DILLON
MRS/1
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