VIETNAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000300180003-8
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 22, 1998
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: December 21, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

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NSC BRIEFING 21 December 1954
VIETNAM
I. Diem's chances for success dimmer
than ever.
A. Quat, able ex-defense minister,
barred from cabinet on grounds
sects' opposition.
B. Meanwhile, sects lukewarm
toward Diem, fight among selves.
C. Split with army only super-
ficially healed by Hinh's
ouster.
II. Collins gloomy, but would defer
final judgment on Diem until early
January; if then no improvement, sees
three alternatives:
A. Government under Quat,
B. Government under Bao Dai,
including Diem and Quat,
C. US withdrawal from-Vietnam.
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III. Meanwhile, French policy seen aiming
toward salvage French interests in
event expected Viet Minh takeover.
IV. Sainteny's mission major instrument
this policy.
A. He accepted by Viet Minh (16 Dec)
as official French delegate
general to Viet Minh government.
B. Viet Minh press (18 Dec)
welcomed representation, said
Viet Minh must soon reciprocate.
Sainteny's aim:
1. Modus vivendi to ensure
French cultural, economic
interests in.North.
2. Establish basis for
similar modus vivendi in
South should Viet Minh
take over.
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3. Break ground for general
"coexiste.nce" policy with
Orbit.
V. Widespread desire in France for
general policy "coexistence."
A. Sainteny mission has strong
non-Communist support in
National Assembly, particularly
among Gaullists, Radical
Socialists.
B. Le Monde said (4 Dee) necessary
"make US understand our common
interest in attempting the
coexistence experiment, and
Indochina offers the experi-
mental ground."
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C. Ex-.president Auriol (15 Dec):
Viet Minh sure to win '56
elections, hence only French
chance lies in strict applica-
tion Geneva agreement. Paris
should now try reach under-
standing with both North and
South governments.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP80RO1443R000300180003-8