851G.00/12–1946: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—12:10 p.m.]
486. For Vincent from Moffat: “If Deptel 436, December 16, to Singapore80 sent before receipt my long telegram from Saigon,81 Dept, in light views expressed, may prefer my return Washington as planned instead of proceeding Canberra. For reasons stated feel settlement Vietnam question extremely difficult and conditions dangerous with possibility deliberate Vietnam spread of conflict to Cambodia and Laos. Believe possibility US assistance should be earnestly considered despite risk of rebuff or unpopularity, especially in view apparent French confidence US resulting from Siamese settlement.”