Vietnam Veterans for Factual History

Facts not myths

Myth: The USA paid 80% of all the costs of the French war against the Viet Minh.

Fact: The US paid 78% of the costs of the French war in 1954 (1.063 billion). In 1950, the US contributed only $10 million (0.7%). In 1953 the US spent $385 million (28%). The cumulative sum of all US support to France in Indochina amounted to approximately 8-11% of the French war effort.

  • US support for the French must be understood in the context of post-WWII
  • European reconstruction, communist expansion, and US involvement in the Korean War.
  • The US and all its allies were concerned about aggressive communist expansion after WWII.

Confirming evidence

The Tangled Web: America, France and Indochina 1947-50

The Pentagon Papers, Gravel Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 4, "U.S. and France in Indochina, 1950-56"

US Foreign Policy in Perspective: France (location: Indochina) 1950-54

French Indochina

Extension of Military and Economic Aid: Statement by the Secretary of State, May 8, 1950

The Military Aid Program: Statement by the Departments of State and Defense, September 23, 1951

The Defense of Indochina: Communiqué Regarding Discussions Between Representatives of the United States, France, Viet-Nam, and Cambodia, June 18, 1952

United States Support of Laos Against the Viet Minh Invasion: Statement by the Department of State, April 17, 1953

Additional United States Aid for France and Indochina: Joint Franco-American Communiqué, September 30, 1953

The Threat of Direct Chinese Communist Intervention in Indochina: Address by the Secretary of State, June 11, 1954 (Excerpt)

The Cease-Fire Agreements in Indochina: Statement by the President, July 21, 1954

Share our site with your friends.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Youtube
Share on Instragram
Share on TikTok
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Digg
Share on Yahoo
Share on Yelp
Share on Pinterest
Share on WhatsApp
Share on Reddit
Share on SnapChat
Share on WeChat
 
Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Follow on Youtube