851G.00/3–746: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 8—5:38 p.m.]
1111. In conversation today with Baudet, Director Asiatic Division, he stated latest reports from Haiphong indicate French casualties with [Page 32] 20 killed, 40 wounded. French fleet withheld fire for one-half hour in belief Chinese shelling was mistake but when French replied it was “very effective”.
After firing ceased, French military and naval commanders went ashore and discussed matter with Chinese officials and Baudet confident affair will have no serious repercussions. He believes it originated in misunderstanding on part of Chinese of what French believed to be perfectly clear technical agreement re place and time of French landings.
Baudet states Foreign Office has not yet received complete text of agreement with Viet Minh Govt in Hanoi but that in general the agreement provides for recognition of autonomous Annamite Govt within framework of Indo-Chinese Federation. Boundaries of Annamite territory have not been definitely fixed but Cochin China is apparently not included although French contemplate holding plebiscite in that area to determine wishes of people.
General Juin,24 whose departure for Indo-China was erroneously reported in this morning’s press, will probably go on a goodwill mission to China although no final decision has been made.
Sent Dept 1111; repeated Chungking 3.
- Gen. Alphonse Pierre Juin, Chief of General Staff, French Army.↩