Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

851G.00/11–3046: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Hanoi (O’Sullivan) to the Secretary of State

secret

Hanoi, November 30, 1946—1 p.m.
[Received December 1—11 a.m.]

127. French today informed Vietnamese that withdrawal Vietnamese troops Haiphong must be accepted, that no discussion this condition possible. In effect it is ultimatum without time limit. French seem determined to force Vietnamese collaboration on French terms or to crush Government.

Vietnam course of action not yet determined.

Meanwhile, exodus from Hanoi continues. Vietnamese Government at least in part has evacuated city. Population particularly in outskirts almost in panic.

O’Sullivan