Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Indochina, Volume XIII, Part 1

751G.11/4–2953: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy at Saigon¹

top secret

Washington, April 29, 1953—7:50 p.m.

2088. Embassy Despatch 429² states Bao Dai requested exchange control authorities transfer eighty million francs his credit France connection his forthcoming trip and describes previous exchange transfers and benefits realized by Bao Dai. Department refers this connection views expressed Deptel 294, Aug 8, 1952. Has not time come for French take firm stand against Bao Dai’s financial extravagances which contrast so deplorably with efforts being made by France and US.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Philip W. Bonsal, Director of PSA. Repeated for information to Paris as telegram 5447.
2. Despatch 429 from Saigon, Apr. 9, titled “French Diplomatic Assessment of Bao Dai,” is not printed. (751G.00/4–953)