851G.00/3–746: Telegram
The Consul at Saigon (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 7—12:30 p.m.]
14. Saig 1727. For Secretary of State. From Reed for Moffat and Culbertson. Despite communiqués from d’Argenlieu and Leclerc assuring measures taken to put an end to military rioting reported in my 112823 there were additional incidents last night including sacking of house of one of signers of “motion” calling for Vietnam independence and cessation of hostilities. He himself was severely beaten by military.
Generally believed that at least major part of these disturbances if not actually ordered by bitter authorities here were indirectly initiated. This in order to stop criticism of Army and to establish Army’s position in negotiations to decide future French control in FIC. Likewise believe this sample of Army’s conduct is preview of what may well happen when operations begin in north unless civil authorities (with authority from Paris) effectively control Army element.
All transmission of stories regarding incidents including d’Argenlieu’s own communiqué was stopped at pool office last night reputedly by Army orders. Two AP stories later sent out through British channels and French press.
Some ships have already started north.
- Not printed.↩