Office of the Historian

42. Telegram From the Special Representative in Vietnam (Collins) to the Department of State1

Saigon, February 17, 1955—4 p.m.

3441. Reference Tousfo 1258.2

1.
Together with representatives Embassy, … and USOM I have given thought to problem of what U.S. policy should be towards refugees’ continuing escape from Viet Minh area north of 17th parallel following termination of period mentioned Article 14d,3 Geneva Accords, during which refugees should be permitted and assisted move from one zone to another. We start from the belief that some flow of refugees will continue come south across 17th parallel from Viet Minh territory following May expiration 300-day period. Driven by desire for freedom, Viet Minh oppression, economic stringency, or any other of a multitude of reasons refugees will continue to come south. Question is: How should they be received and cared for?
2.
Pertinent factors influencing decision are:
a.
General vagueness throughout Geneva Accords;
b.
Sensitivity of French who wish avoid all charges they are violating Accords; and
c.
Undesirability create situation where it could be charged U.S. is actively violating Accords.
3.
We believe U.S. should not appear openly involved in program to be set up. Usual type U.S. escapee program with emphasis on “American impact” form of relief, care, and transfer of escapees is unsuitable to this situation.
4.
We, therefore, recommend that:
a.
We should assist Vietnamese in developing escapee reception program to be in operation by May 19, 1955;
b.
This program should be supported by U.S. funds, …;
c.
This … and operation should be staffed and carried out by Vietnamese Government.
[
Collins
]
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/2–1755. Top Secret.↩
  2. In this telegram, February 8, USOM reported on tentative plans to continue escape operations of Vietnamese from the north after the May withdrawal from Haiphong under terms of the Geneva Accords. (Washington National Records Center, FOA Message Files: FRC 56 A 632, Box 98, Vietnam)↩
  3. Article 14, section d, of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam, July 20, 1954, provided for free movement of civilians from either North or South Vietnam until the 300-day time limit for regrouping of troops of the People’s Army of Vietnam or forces of the French Union expired. For complete text, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. xvi, p. 1505.↩