MR. EUGENE DEBRUIN

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005527364
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: June 24, 2015
• Document Release Date: September 21, 2011
• Case Number: F-2010-01070
• Publication Date: November 21, 1968

IMPANY COAT
MEMORANDUM
? Personnel Assistant, TPE
Personnel Manager,VTE, via Base Manager,VTE
DATE: 21 November 1968
REF. To.BMVTE-68-232
SUBJECT : Mr. Eugene DeBruin
On 20 November 1968, at a dinner at ABM Barnhisel's house, one of the guests,
General Brothier, Commandant of the French Military Mission in Vientiane, was
approached by the undersigned regarding the above subject. I asked the
General if he knew Soth Pethrasi, the Pathet Lao representative in Vientiane,
and if he (sic) could assist me in obtaining the appointment with Pethrasi
that I had requested by letter a few weeks ago in an attempt to determine
]~eBruinos condition and whereabouts.. General Brothier indicated that he would
assist me, and added that he would contact the French Military Mission in
Hanoi on the subject and inquire of them as to BeBruin's exact status and
welfare.,,
(b)(6)
The General indicated that the members of the French Mission in Hanoi travel
extensively throughout North Vietnam, coming into contact with numerous
people while searching for missing French military or civilian citizens
about whose status little or nothing has been heard since the end of hostilities
between the French and the Viet Minh in 1954. General Brothier added that he
would take the opportunity of asking his counterpart from Hanoi to look for
DeBruin and to advise him of the results, during the latters intended visit
to Vientiane next month. I then gave the General'DeBruinls full name, the
year and area where he was captured, and I intend to follow up with a physical
description of the missing man and a copy of his personnel photograph if you
will make one available to me. I also indicated to Brothier that if alive,
OV DeBruin might be being held in Sam Neua He noted that he would have his
+\ French associates look in that area as well.,
P 0~~ At one point during our conversation (in French) General Brothier noted that
it is much easier for the French to communicate meaningfully with the other
side than for Americans. I agree with him, and I am hopeful that we may be
able to obtain some results through this new channel. I will keep you advised
of any future developments
cc: AVP, via Pres
DSY/TPE
CSY/VTE
James Murphy, US Embassy,VTE
PM/VTE (file)
APPROVED FOR RELEASEL
DATE: 12-Aug-2011
COP~PANY
(Typed by BM/VTE in order to keep subject
confidential)
RECEIVED
[29 .OV 1969
TAIPEI