851G.01/1–3145
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
No. 111
Chungking, January 31,
1945.
[Received February 10.]
Sir: Mr. Achilles Clarac, Counselor of the
French Embassy, called on Counselor Atcheson on January 26, 1945 and
handed him the enclosed “note” in French with English translation
which he requested be forwarded to the American Government. The note
appears to be self-explanatory. Mr. Atcheson made no comment to Mr.
Clarac in regard to its contents.
I am forwarding the note without taking any other action pending
instructions from the Department in regard to policy toward
Indochina. So far as I am personally concerned, I have let the
diplomatic representatives of the so-called imperialistic
governments with interests in southeast Asia know that I am
personally opposed to imperialism but that I am not making the
policy of the United States on that subject. I have remarked to them
that the United States is committed to the proposition that
governments should derive their just powers from the consent of the
governed. I have said that I personally adhere to the principles of
the Atlantic Charter5 which
provides that we shall “respect the right of all peoples to choose
the form of government under which they will live”. I have commented
that French imperialism and French monopolies in Indochina seem to
me to be in conflict with these principles. However, I have
emphasized, as indicated above, that I am personally not making the
policy of my Government. I have accordingly suggested to the French
that they should look to Washington and Paris and not to us here for
clarification of America’s policy in regard to Indochina.
In connection with my opinion on this subject I refer also to the
speeches made early in the war by Prime Minister Churchill,
Secretary Hull and President Roosevelt which indicate clearly the
principles of liberty for which we are fighting. These principles
are also set out definitely in the Atlantic Charter.
[Here follows matter pertaining to China.]
Respectfully yours,
[Page 295]
The French Embassy in
China to the American Embassy
in China
Chungking, January 20,
1945.
Note
The political position taken by the Provisional Government of the
French Republic regarding Indochina is plain. A few sentences
will be sufficient to make it clear.
First, France cannot admit any discussion about the principle of
her establishment in Indochina. Her presence founded on
agreements consistent with international law and based on the
immense task carried out by her for the sake of the Indochinese
population has never been disputed by any Power. The occupation
of Indochina by the Japanese has not changed anything in that
state of affairs. This occupation is nothing but a war incident
similar to the invasion by the Japanese forces of Malaya, of the
Netherlands East Indies and Burma. The activity of the
underground movement, the formation of the expeditionary forces
that we are ready to send to the Far East, reveal the energy
with which France intends to take part in the liberation of
those of her territories that have been momentarily torn away
from her by the enemy.
This being clear, the French Government is prepared to consider
with her allies all the measures that may be taken to insure
security and peace for the future in the Pacific area; with
respect to these measures she intends to play her part to which
the importance of her interests in the Far East entitle her.
Furthermore, the French Government has already decided at the
Brazzaville conference7 the principles of the policy she means
to follow in her overseas possessions. Accordingly she will
determine together with the populations concerned the status of
Indochina on a basis that will secure for the Union a
satisfactory autonomy within the frame of the French Empire.
Besides, Indochina will be granted an economic regime that will
enable her to profit widely by the advantages of international
competition. These decisions, having no international character,
come solely within the competence of the French Government.
Thoroughly aware of the importance of the principles at stake in
the present war, France will not shrink from her
responsibilities.
[Page 296]
For the time being, however, France’s concerns in the Far East
are mainly military. As early as June 1943, the French Committee
of National Liberation made it known to its allies that it
considered that area as one where it would be extremely
desirable for all the interested parties to establish thorough
military collaboration. On the 4th of October 1943, it decided
to form an expeditionary force that would take part in western
Pacific operations and in the liberation of Indochina. At the
same time the French Government established in Indochina a
network of connections with the French and Indochinese
underground. By this action, the efficacy of which has been
proved by the role of the French Forces of the Interior in
France, it will support the assault of the forces attacking from
without and help them in their task in a way that can be
decisive.
The French Government has informed Washington and London of all
the measures it has taken in that respect. It has repeatedly
asked that the expeditionary forces should be sent to the area
and used to the best advantage; but the answer was that the
decision belonged to President Roosevelt and the Combined Chiefs
of Staff. They have not yet responded. Nevertheless, the French
Government is prepared to have its expeditionary forces used in
the American as well as in the British theatre of operations.
Considering therefore the part France is entitled to play and
ready to assume in the military operations in the Pacific, it
would be useful that she be admitted to the Pacific War Council
and particularly to the Sub-Committee responsible for the
operations involving French Indochina.
