751G.94/238
The Counselor of the British Embassy (Butler) to the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck)77
Dear Mr. Hornbeck: We have just received from the Foreign Office a telegram with all the markings of urgency, saying that the War Office in London have received a telegram dated September 13th from the British Military Liaison Officer at Hanoi to the effect that the Vichy Government have ordered the acceptance of the Japanese demands, and that negotiations have been resumed. The French General Officer commanding and the Air Officer commanding consider that the key to the situation is the arrival of fighter planes, even if only a few as a gesture. The telegram from Hanoi goes on to say that the French General suggests the possible purchase of these from Manila, and ample funds are said to be available for payment.
Our Military Liaison Officer at Hanoi stresses that action must be quick to save the situation; the French General’s attitude being one of desperation, though he is unwilling to cede anything to the Japanese.
In regard to the above, the telegram from Lord Halifax asks whether the United States Government are able and prepared to do anything to help. I would add that a week ago we heard from our Consul General in Haiphong that a suggestion had been broached locally that American Army aeroplanes in the Philippines might be passed to the French, and the United States authorities supplied with types previously ordered by the French in the United States; and secondly, that in the matter of air support we are ourselves doing our small best. We heard yesterday that the Governor of Hong Kong had been instructed to release seven moth aeroplanes for the Government of Indo China, the latter having indicated that they would very much like to have them for training purposes.
Should you wish to consult the Embassy Bramwell78 will be available there with the papers and he could get me if required, but I had planned to be out with my family between 6.30 and 10 p.m.
Yours very sincerely,