851G.00/11–146: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Hanoi (O’Sullivan) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2—12:30 p.m.]
101. ReDeptel 241, September 9, 2 p.m., to Saigon. There apparently is contact between Vietnam and Chinese Communists.
Reports difficult to verify indicate presence in Vietnam of Chinese Communists who are said to be used as advisors in provinces. Numbers [Page 63] are not known but estimates run to hundreds. Traffic apparently is directed by sea from Shanghai to Hong Kong, thence to Haiphong.
However, any reports concerning presence of Chinese Communists in Haiphong itself should be regarded with suspicion. Pirates from South China have combined with Chinese Army deserters to blackmail Chinese congregating there. While calling themselves Communists, they are actually outlaws.