851G.00/3–746: Telegram
The Consul at Saigon ( Reed ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 7—1:35 p.m.]
20. Spokesman for the Government in Indochina announced signing of agreement yesterday at Hanoi whereby Vietnam becomes a free state within the Indochina federation and will have own army, direct own internal affairs and finance. Further negotiations on other points such as foreign affairs, French economic interests, et cetera, to be held shortly. Referendum to be held in Tonkin, Annam and Cochin China to determine form of government desired and they may be separate or may unite. Full text of agreement will be forwarded.25 Spokesman concluded that many concessions on both sides, Annamites are frankly pleased and French military occupation now proceeding smoothly.
- Telegram 21, March 8, 1946, not printed. Despatch 4644, March 8, from Paris, enclosed copy of text as translated from the Paris Figaro, of the preliminary convention signed at Hanoi, March 6, at 5 p.m.; neither printed.↩