740.0011 P.W./563: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—8:36 a.m.]
143. During conversations late yesterday morning with high officials of the Government General, it was disclosed that the new Japanese mission to Indochina will number at least some hundreds, possibly between 300 and 400, comprising experts of all kinds (political, economic, military, and cultural relations). This development is admittedly causing grave apprehension concerning future Japanese activities in Indochina and yesterday’s incidents involving a sedulous disregard of French sovereignty have increased these apprehension[s]. Both officials, in speculating as to the possibility of offsetting what is expected to be a strong Japanese effort to dominate Indochina in all fields, suggested that the United States Government might find it possible and propitious to send an envoy to Indochina of equal rank to Yoshizawa, heading a mission of somewhat similar purpose—the similarity of views of the officials in question indicating that this matter has been the subject of extensive discussion in governmental circles.
Sent to Cavite for repetition to the Department, Chungking, Pei-ping, Hong Kong, Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo.