751.51G/12–2249: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 22—8:14 a. m.]
5366. Baeyens read us this morning text Schuman’s reply to Bevin message summarized Embtel 5297.89 Message will be delivered by Massigli this afternoon. It has been repeated to Bonnet90 with instructions [Page 237] enlist US support in influencing British postpone recognition Mao Tse-tung until Bao Dai can simultaneously be recognized.
Summary Schuman message to Bevin follows (Begin summary):
French Government appreciates reasons advanced by British Government for early recognition Peking regime and consideration with which UK has examined possible impact this recognition on French problem Indochina and success Bao Dai regime.
[Here follows discussion of Vietnam situation.]
Schuman then goes on urge Bevin to delay his recognition of Peking regime until after he can recognize Bao Dai. In addition, other considerations already made known British Government, he points to new element introduced by Mao Tse-tung visit Moscow and emphasizes his great apprehension that this visit with its proclamations of Sino-Soviet solidarity if immediately followed by UK recognition Mao Tse-tung regime before such recognition of Bao Dai Government would have effect of severely weakening spirit of resistance to communism throughout Southeast Asia. (End summary).
Sent Department 5366, repeated London 947. Department pass Saigon 170.