851G.00/10–2546: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Hanoi (O’Sullivan) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:20 p.m.]
96. In private conversation, Ho Chi Minh told me that effectiveness of modus vivendi would depend upon French actions in Cochin-China.
“If they allow spread of democratic liberties, release political prisoners, and stop attacking my people, things will go well for them in Tonkin. Otherwise the commissions (provided for in modus vivendi) will not accomplish much”, he said.
He added fighting in south would not stop unless French applied agreement locally.
He stated Vietnamese policy remained unchanged: i.e., Nambo64 must be united to Vietnam. He thought that French had reached conclusion that referendum in Cochin-China would favor unification and they therefore seemed to be seeking to avoid it.
He said he had been promised no economic aid but thought French would provide what they could if and when definite agreement was reached.
In concluding Ho said that if there was any information I required he would see that I obtained it.
- Southern district, meaning Cochin-China.↩