851G.00/12–2446: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)87
6586. The Under Secretary asked Bonnet to call yesterday afternoon to discuss the situation in Indochina. Mr. Acheson said that we are deeply concerned by the outbreak of hostilities in Tonkin and Annam and are fully aware of the unhappy situation in which the French find themselves. We had anticipated such a situation developing in November and events have confirmed our fears. While we have no wish to offer to mediate under present conditions we do want the French Govt to know that we are ready and willing to do anything which it might consider helpful in the circumstances. We have been gratified to learn of Moutet’s mission and have confidence in his moderation and broad viewpoint. We believe however that the situation [Page 78] is highly inflammatory and if present unsettled conditions continue, there is a possibility that other powers might attempt to bring the matter up before the Security Council. If this happens, as in the case of Indonesia, the question will arise whether the matter is one of purely French internal concern or a situation likely to disturb the peace. Other powers might likewise attempt some form of intervention as has been suggested in the Chinese press. We would be opposed to such steps, but from every point of view it seems important that the question be settled as soon as possible. Mr. Acheson added that he wondered whether the French would attempt to reconquer the country through military force which was a step that the British had found unwise to attempt in Burma.
Bonnet said that he had little direct info with regard to the present situation in Indochina but referred to Leon Blum’s speech in the Assembly yesterday morning. He summarized important points of the speech which he said clearly indicated that Blum’s policy is to settle the question as far as possible by conciliatory means and that this was the purpose of Moutet’s visit. He said that Blum had reiterated that French policy is to assure the independence (within the French empire) of Viet Nam and complete self govt. It was unfortunate that it had been impossible up to the present to implement the far reaching concessions embodied in the French agreement with Viet Nam.
He said that personally he would be surprised if the Chinese brought the question up before the Security Council at this time for he felt that the Nanking Govt was sympathetic to the French position in Indochina. He concluded by saying that he would inform his Govt of our friendly interest and of our deep concern over the situation and let us know the reaction from Paris.
- Repeated to Saigon in telegram 318, December 26, 6 p.m.↩