CURRENT SITUATION IN INDOCHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A000100060041-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 27, 2000
• Sequence Number: 41
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For R,glease 2Q00A ' , IA-RDP79R 890A000100060041-5
1. Military picture highlighted by new aggressiveness on
part of French and increased Chinese aid to Viet Minh.
A. French operation at Langson, major Viet Minh
supply base 10 miles from China border, suc-
cessfully concluded.
1. About 5,000 tons of materiel destroyed,
including 1,000 brand new Skoda automatic
rifles.
2. Viet Minh apparently caught completely off
balance, offered negligible opposition.
3. Operation's psychological impact on both
French and Viet Minh troops in Indochina
probably overshadow strategic significance.
4. In Paris, pressures against continuing the
French effort at least temporarily lessened;
added support for General Navarre's plan to
carry war into Viet Minh territory.
B. China now delivering upwards of 1,000 tons of supplies
a month to Viet Minh.
1. Compares with monthly average of 500 tons in 1952.
2. Increase possibly temporary, but transport
improvements on both sides border suggest
augmented program.
II. No indications of Viet Minh's autumn campaign plans.
25X1C A.
believes enemy
has four alternatives:
1. Massive attack on Tonkin delta.
2. Renewal last spring's offensive in Laos.
3. Attack against Laichau in northwestern Tonkin,
to consolidate last fall's gains that area.
4. Attack against important French coastal instal-
lations in Hue-Tourane area Central Vietnam.
B. Second two alternatives have little of strategic
significance of first two.
Approved For Release=2
 Approved For Release q
4-RDP79R09890A000100060041-5
C. Meanwhile, Viet Minh commander-in-chief reportedly
in central Annam on inspection tour preparatory to
opening campaign there.
D. French also fear the Viet Minh surprise attack on
Luang Prabang, in Laos.
1. Most defensive units there last spring now
moved to south or returned to Tonkin delta.
III. On political side, relationship between France and
Associated States to be renegotiated following French
3 July policy declaration.
A. Declaration evaded basic issue of whether the
Associated States have right to withdraw from
French Union.
B. Cambodia answered 3 July note with 60 specific
demands, in effect asked France transfer all
remaining powers, services in advance of negotiations.
C. Vietnam outwardly conciliatory, obviously waiting to
profit by any concessions to Cambodia.
D. Uncertainty regarding French intentions continues
among Indochinese, inhibits the fight against the
Viet Minh.
Approved For Relea*/Qf2r P