851G.00/7–1747: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Hanoi (O’Sullivan) to the Secretary of State
229. French monitoring service reports Viet Nam radio, “Voix du Sudun”, in French on July 14 stated that Giam made speech to cultural association of Tonkin and Annam. He reportedly said Moutet’s recent declaration regarding cessation hostilities in Indochina contained errors of fact.
Textually radio reportedly stated:
“April 25 Viet Nam Government sent French Government note proposing cessation hostilities with view seeking solution for peace.
After note sent, about May 12, Paul Mus, delegate of High Commissioner, requested meeting with Ho, at which Giam was present.
Mus stated, Giam said, armistice conditions he brought, under reserve of confirmation by official note from French to VN Government.
Among conditions proposed by representative High Commissioner two are acceptable: (1) liberation of French hostages and (2) free circulation French troops on all territory of Viet Nam.
Regarding dissolution Viet Namese Army and delivery of arms to French authorities, President Ho has already replied to Mus.”
In absence full details of conditions proposed by French, it difficult make estimate the meaning Ho’s reply, particularly acceptance second condition (freedom circulation French troops). If this true position of Ho, it may be indication weakness. However, there had been then no evidence to confirm that Viet Nam Govt weakening seriously.
Believe in absence of fuller details that Ho agreed to free circulation, knowing that French were not for military reasons interested in dispersing strength throughout country and multiplying supply problem in face of the then coming rainy season while Ho was able to wage fight. Ho in effect may have been trying to induce them to spread forces thin as in Cochin China.