851G.00/7–1747: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Saigon
secret
Washington, July 17,
1947—8 p.m.
122. Request your and Hanoi’s appraisal implications relation US objectives stable Southeast Asia friendly to democratic West in event French should be forced deal present Vietnam Govt and this Govt [Page 118] should eventually emerge as controlling power three Annamese provinces. Refer particularly the following:
- 1.
- Whether influence Communists in present coalition Govt and behind-scenes Communists like Dang Xuan Khu and Ha Ba Cang would be sufficient put Vietnam in Soviet camp.
- 2.
- Position Ho respect above. Whether your opinion evidence increasing opposition to Ho by militants tends substantiate repeated reports his abandonment Party line and to corroborate reported letter to Chiang Kai Shek in which Ho excused past Communists connections on grounds nowhere else turn, and stated only interest now independence his country. (Impression here Ho publicly attempting walk chalked line between nationalism and Communism effort retain backing both forces.)
- 3.
- Whether intellectuals backing Vietnam realize what Communism means as international political force distinct its economic aspects and whether nationalists among them feel they can cope in future with Communist leaders Vietnam.
- 4.
- Whether, with removal solidifying effect French pressure, coherent Govt likely be extended over Vietnam representing real interests Annamese and allowing reasonably free political expression or whether coalition would break in factions which would settle differences by terrorism and armed force, resulting chronic disorders or eventual police state under one-party rule.
- 5.
- Sensitivity Vietnamese to US opinion and importance this factor future orientation Vietnam Govt. While French Communists exploit every show of US interest developments Indochina to warn of US intervention, Vietnamese apparently welcome this interest.
- 6.
- Effect on Laotians and Cambodians should Soviet-oriented Vietnam emerge.
Dept fully realizes paucity solid info on which base appraisal.
Sent Saigon 122. Repeated Hanoi 66. Repeated Paris for info 2649.
Marshall