851G.01/12–2447: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
5536. Mytel 5398, December 16. Council of Ministers yesterday issued communiqué announcing Bollaert given “full powers to undertake all action and negotiation necessary for re-establishment of peace and liberty in Vietnam”. Communiqué states that in view of failure of government of Ho Chi-minh to reply to offer of negotiations made in Bollaert’s September 10 Haiphong [Hadong] speech and Viet-minh radio’s rejection his offer, no negotiations will be undertaken with government of Ho Chi-minh.
Auriol, as President French Union, informed Council yesterday of receipt of “active adherence” of Kingdoms of Cambodia and Laos to French Union.
Department pass to Saigon as Paris 38.