851G.00/9–2445
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent)
| Participants: | Sir Gsorge Sansom,32 British Embassy; |
| Mr. John Carter Vincent, FE; | |
| Mr. Abbot Low Moffat,33 SEA. |
Sir George Sansom called personally to express concern over the British position in Indochina. He stated that there had been several anti-British demonstrations in Saigon as the people did not wish the French to return and felt that the British were supporting the French. He stated that the British were there only to disarm the Japanese troops.
Mr. Moffat inquired whether Sir George was familiar with the statement of General Slim, commander of the SEAC land forces, that the British would be in Indochina to disarm the Japanese and to maintain order until French troops could arrive; and also that martial law was reported to have been proclaimed with the death penalty to anyone, including the Annamese, found bearing arms.
Sir George, speaking personally, expressed deep concern at the danger of repercussions which an explosion in Indochina would have in all other colonial areas. Speaking personally, we expressed the view that some effort should be made to secure negotiations between the French and the moderate Annamese elements. Sir George indicated that he personally shared this view.