851G.00/2–246: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 3—9:48 a.m.]
208. Deptel 182, Jan. 30. During conversation yesterday with Dr. Kan Nai-kuang, Vice Minister Foreign Affairs, he said negotiations with French regarding Indochina had not been completed. He said that Clarac, a French official from Indochina, was due to arrive Chungking yesterday for negotiations.
Dr. Kan said French military officials from Indochina are now in Chungking for discussion of withdrawal of Chinese troops from northern Indochina but that no decisions had yet been reached. He said Chinese intended of course to withdraw when their mission under armistice terms has been completed. Dr. Kan said Chinese troops would probably withdraw first from Laos area.
Dr. Kan said that no agreement has been reached between French and Vietminh, and that Vietminh apparently wanted more in way of autonomy and independence than French were willing to concede.
Dr. Kan volunteered comment that de Gaulle’s retirement might possibly mean some change in French position in Indochina, as elements now in power in France might not wish to send large French military forces to Indochina.
Dr. Kan said he would be glad to keep us informed on negotiations mentioned above.