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

851G.00/8–746: Telegram

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

secret

Washington, September 9, 1946—2 p.m.

241. Intelligence reports of uncertain reliability state USSR (a) anxious see Ho Chi Minh succeed unite three Kys under Viet Nam for possible eventual weapon against National Govt China and (b) has instructed French Communists manoeuvre reliable French Officers to Indochina for training cadres future Viet Nam army. Keep Dept informed indications subservience to Party line by Ho and other leaders, relative strength Communist and non-Communist elements Viet Nam, and contacts with Communists other countries. Inform O’Sullivan. Sent Saigon. Repeated Paris⁵⁹ for info.

Clayton

59. As telegram 4680.