Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

851G.00/2–1946: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Saigon (Reed)

secret

Washington, February 19, 1946.

Chinese FonOff informed Embassy¹⁸ that Sino-French negotiations regarding Indochina now reaching final stage with following main points:

A. Chinese troops will probably commence withdrawal Indochina in Mar. Schedule and other details under discussion. French advancing necessary expenditure for Chinese troops which will be charged to Jap account.

B. Rights and exemptions heretofore enjoyed by Chinese residents such as Chinese Schools, Chinese commercial bookkeeping, etc., to be maintained. That part of railroad within Chinese territory will be restored to China. Goods exported from or destined to China through Haiphong to be exempt from customs duties and transit dues. A specified zone in Haiphong to be set aside for Chinese customs administration including necessary warehouses, etc.

Sent Saigon for Reed and Hanoi for Landon.

Byrnes

18. Telegram 280, February 13, 1946, 9 a.m., from Chungking, not printed.