 In order to divert the Việt Minh from pressing their attack on the Black River General Salan planned to launch an offensive against Việt Minh base areas near Phú Thọ, Phú Doan and Tuyên Quang.Operation Lorraine was the largest operation attempted to date by the French Union forces., the forces involved included four Groupe Mobiles, one airborne group comprising three parachute battalions, two infantry battalions, two armoured sub-groups, two tank destroyer and reconnaissance squadrons, two Dinassaut, two artillery battalions and engineering units.Operation Lorraine was to be launched in four stages as follows