851G.00/10–2847: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State 18
4618. In a conversation with Baudet, he stated that Foreign Office is now much better informed regarding recent developments in Indochina following conversations with Messmer,19 who explained that recent military operations are not a major offensive but have been in the nature of extended but small scale raids with following objectives:
- 1.
- To seize the Vietnam radio broadcasting posts. Three of the four main posts have been captured and the fourth is no longer operating.
- 2.
- To seize and destroy certain known arms and munition dumps. Over 5,000 tons of small arms and munitions have been captured.
- 3.
- To occupy certain posts along the Chinese frontier and thus cut off arms smuggling and communications with friendly forces in China.
These successful operations have been carried out with small forces and in many cases through parachute action. Total French losses have been only 50 killed (20 were in one airplane accident) which is little larger than would normally occur in a similar period. There is no intention of occupying and holding any territory and even the posts on the Chinese frontier will probably eventually be withdrawn.
Baudet stated that the political situation looks somewhat more promising. The groups supporting Bao Dai consist of the two pro-Chinese parties, the religious communities of Bao [Cao]-Daists and the Hoa Hao, various groups of “intellectuals” and Bao Dai’s personal following in Annam. These groups are united in their opposition to the Vietminh and while small individually taken together form an important minority, perhaps a third of the entire population.
In spite of Bao Dai’s statements regarding complete independence, etc., indications are that it will be possible to reach an acceptable agreement with him. Baudet indicated that the French would probably have to make some additional concessions regarding diplomatic representation [Page 146] and control of the army and that the negotiations will have to be carefully and skillfully conducted. Once an agreement with Bao Dai has been reached, the French anticipate two developments: (a) a considerable increase in the strength of Bao Dai’s followers, (b) A tendency for elements of the Vietminh and perhaps Ho Chi Minh himself to reach an agreement with Bao Dai and the French.
Referring to the internal political situation in France, Baudet was uncertain of the effect on the above perspectives of a return of de Gaulle to power.
Sent Department as 4618, repeated London as 814.
Department please repeat to Saigon.