851G.00/10–1245: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 13—1:30 a.m.]
6006. My 5964, October 10.36 Last night’s semi-official Le Monde gives further details re Franco-British agreement on Indochina. Le Monde states agreement will not be published at this time but that principal provisions are known.
In the agreement French Civil Administration is recognized as sole authority in that part of Indochina south of 16th parallel. Only exceptions result from presence of British troops in this part of Indochina and these exceptions do not affect principles of agreement. Le Monde adds agreement is designed to determine relations between French Civil Administration and British military authorities and provides that British Commander will not intervene in civil affairs except through French authority. Latter in Turkey [turn] agree to fulfill any requests arising from presence of British troops. Agreement provides British troops will only be there temporarily for purpose of enforcing terms of Jap surrender and to assure repatriation of Allied prisoners and civilian internees.
It is again emphasized that cordial atmosphere of negotiations was indication of solidarity of Franco-British relations in that part of world.
Sent Department as 6006, repeated London as 748.
- Not printed.↩