851G.00/5–146: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Hanoi (O’Sullivan) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 1—10:42 a.m.]
5. There was some fighting in Haiphong between French and Annamite forces over last week-end.
Confused and fragmentary reports available Hanoi indicate shooting which broke out Saturday continued intermittently through Sunday. Best estimate of French losses here is between three and five dead, with Annamite losses unknown.38
[Page 39]Attitude of Chinese in Haiphong during shooting was reported as neutral.
Meanwhile, during last few days and nights Chinese units have been moving from Hanoi apparently to outskirts. Possibly as many as 3,000 have left city.
Sent Department, repeated Chungking, Saigon informed by airmail.
- In telegram 6, May 4, 1946, from Hanoi, Mr. O’Sullivan reported his visit to Haiphong and added: “Both French and Vietnam have taken measures to prevent further incidents and to contain any shooting which may break out.” (851G.00/5–446)↩