Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

851G.00/1–747: Telegram

The Consul General at Singapore (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State

secret

Singapore, January 7, 1947—3 p.m.

3. From Moffat. Revisited Bangkok yesterday, received latest information FIC from Hunter.¹² Although have not seen Reed and O’Sullivan reports, feel impelled as chief SEA urge prompt US action aimed terminate war Vietnam not only save countless lives but protect position US and other democracies SEA. Hands-off policy seems here based European considerations and temporary French political situation and appears as US approval French military reconquest Vietnam although in fact Vietnam record no worse than French. Even if French military campaigns successful, hatreds engendered will defeat French civil and economic objectives and threaten all western interests SEA. Doubt French ability establish effective puppet govt, proposal use Kuomintang trained personnel may prove trojan horse.

Indo-China situation exceeds domestic issue. Developments already threaten adverse effect NEI. Soviet not directly active SEA and need not be as democracies performing most effectively their behalf. Moral leadership by US essential this area, hundred million people increasing nationalist.

Better French elements FIC reported disgusted policy pursued by d’Argehlieu,¹³ military and Colonials. Even these apparently would like, pull back if face can be saved. Earnestly urge US—even this late date—endeavor mediate seek truce and political settlement. For Reasons stated mytel from Saigon,¹⁴ third party action seems essential. Because of recent French action believe permanent political Solution can now be based only on independent Vietnam (alternative is giganic armed colonial camp), but confident still possible secure full protection French property, interests and culture, predominance French foreign advisers, members FIC Economic Union Cambodia and Laos, and close treaties with or even membership in French Union.

Repeat again deep need for US moral leadership increasingly critical situation this political, economic and strategic area. Urge again I return Dept instead Canberra. [Moffat]¹⁵

Josselyn

12. Lt. William H. Hunter, Assistant Naval Attaché and Assistant Naval Attaché for Air in Siam.
13. Adm. Thierry d’Argenlieu, French High Commissioner in Indochina.
14. Telegram 479, December 12, 1946, not printed.
15. The Department replied to Mr. Moffat in telegram 13, January 10, 4 p.m., to Singapore, that this suggestions had been carefully studied. In this telegram the efforts made to date were reviewed and the opinion expressed that everything possible was being done. It was also indicated that no other qualified officer was available for the Canberra Conference at that late date. (851G.00/1–747) With regard to the conference to consider establishment of a regional advisory commission for non-self-governing territories in the South Pacific, see Department press release of January 4, Department of State Bulletin, January 12, 1947, p. 51; for report on the conference, see ibid., March 16, 1947, p. 459.