VIETNAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000300180005-6
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 22, 1998
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: December 20, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For Release 1999/09/0000300180005-6
1 ~i :1 v s-- ~.+' B
20 December 1954
VIETNAM
1. In South, Diem's chances for success appear dimmer than ever.
A. Bars able and forthright ex-defense minister Quat
from cabinet post, on grounds sects' opposition.
B. Meanwhile, sects give only lukewarm support to Diem,
fight among themselves.
C. Split with army only superficially healed by General
Hinh's ouster.
II. General Co ins wou defer final judgment on Diem until
early January.
A. If no improvement by then, Collins sees three
alternatives:
1. A government under Quat,
2. A government under Bao Dai, including Diem and
Quat,
3. US withdrawal from Vietnam.
III. Meanwhile, increasing indications that French policy for
area now aiming toward ensuring salvage French interests
in event expected Viet Minh take-over.
IV. Sainteny's mission in North is major instrument this policy.
A. Sainteny accepted by Viet Minh 16 December as official
French delegate general to Viet Minh government.
B. Viet Minh press (18 Dec) welcomed official French
representation, noted. Viet Minh must soon reciprocate
with official delegate to French government.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP80RO1443R000300180005-6
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CI - 00180005-6
C. Sainteny's aims:
1. Reach modus vivend.i with Viet Minh to ensure
French cultural, and economic interests in
North.
2. Establish basis for similar modus vivendi in
South should Viet Minh take over.
3. Break ground for general "coexistence" policy
with Orbit.
V. Widespread desire in France for general policy "coexistence."
A. Sainteny mission gains impetus from strong non-
Communist pressure in National Assembly, particularly
among Gaullists, Radical Socialists.
B. Pro-government Le Monde observed (4 Dec) necessary
"make US understand our common interest in attempting
the coexistence experiment, and Indochina offers
the experimental ground."
C. Further example this thinking--ex-president Auriol
(15 Dec): Viet Minh sure to win 1956 elections,
hence France's only chance lies in strict application
of Geneva agreement. Paris should. now try to reach
understanding with governments of both North and
South Vietnam.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 :
jAkWqqVqMJjM