851G.00/7–947
The Ambassador in Siam (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
No. 463
Sir: I have the honor to report that Dr. Pham Ngoc Thach, who describes himself as Under Secretary of State of the Vietnam Government, returned to Bangkok about two weeks ago and that he departed for Indochina a few days ago.
While here Dr. Thach handed to Col. Law, Assistant Military Attaché who, on Dr. Thach’s previous visit, had established informal contact with him, a questionnaire which is in the nature of a plea by the Vietnam Government for the assistance of the United States. For the information of the Department, copies of the questionnaire mentioned are enclosed herewith.23
It will be observed that the questionnaire, which is understood to have been prepared by Dr. Thach himself, poses the question of whether or not the United States would be willing to use its influence to mediate between the two parties. It is recognized that because of the present international political situation the United States could not adopt an anti-French position by supplying arms and munitions to Vietnam. However, the question is asked whether or not it would be possible for the United States to make a loan ($10,000,000–$20,000,000) for the purchase of textiles, medicines and machinery for the use of the Vietnam people. Reference is also made to lack of capital and of technicians for the reconstruction and modernization of the country, and inquiry is made as to whether or not the United States would be willing to render such assistance and the terms and conditions under which such aid might be granted.
Reference is also made to the possibility of Vietnam’s case being presented to the United Nations and inquiry is made as to whether the Vietnam Government can count on the United States or the Philippines to place its case before that body. The further query is made as to the attitude of the United States in the event that their case were presented to the United Nations by some other nation.
Paragraph 7 of the questionnaire refers to the fact that American culture can now only be seen through a French “prism” and inquiry [Page 110] is made whether the United States would be willing to institute a cultural program vis-à-vis Vietnam.
The final paragraph makes reference to the Federation of Southeast Asia which is characterized as an American idea and interest is expressed in receiving some indication of the American conception of such a federation.
I asked Col. Law not to answer any of the questions posed, but simply to explain orally and informally to Dr. Thach that as he well knew the United States Government is not unsympathetic toward the aspirations of the Vietnam people; that it is most anxious to see peace and tranquillity restored in Indochina; and that it has been endeavoring through appropriate diplomatic channels to be of assistance in effecting a settlement of present differences.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩