The Battle of Dien Bien Phu by Jules Roy. Jules was a French writer and outspoken critic of French colonialism across Indochina. Jules published this book just seven years following the French defeat. To his credit, he wrote a detailed book and a trip back to the valley writing with the knowledge available to him at that time.
Much of the information was raw and new scholarship would remain elusive for decades. North Vietnam’s essential documents along with those of the French, British, and American governments were still classified. To this end, the facts have not really changed, only the recent access to NVA documents helps shape context today.
However, Roy portrays an honest, detailed assessment of the battle based upon a return visit to the valley. Roy is perhaps one of the early recognized authors of the siege. While subsequent authors have added valuable additions to the west’s understanding, his efforts certainly allowed for early insights by Americans just as Vietnam began to come into greater focus across our country.
Yet, America was still awash in post-World War II success and global expansion under then President Eisenhower. But the warning signs across Laos and Cambodia were ringing.
Roy introduces the appointment of General Navarre as commander of French forces in Vietnam. Navarre’s plan, with the approval of the US was to provoke Giap by duplicating the success at at Na San and ultimately push the Viet Minh into a final pitched battle at Dien Bien Phu.