851G.00/12–2647: Telegram
The Consul at Saigon (Reed) to the Secretary of State
422. News of Bao Dai’s actual departure for Europe23 given much publicity, also fact that he and President Xuan said to have agreed re status Cochin-China, latter to have large measure autonomy, but comment very guarded awaiting Xuan’s return from Hong Kong. Manoeuvers Hoach being watched with interest as generally believed he has organized support of many Caodaist and Hoa Hao troops and he remains very anti-Xuan. New President Cochin-China Council is Beziat, unquestioned colonialist, and an informed liberal candidate defeated by “inducements” to vote for Beziat.
- Bao Dai left Hong Kong by air for Switzerland via London and did not expect to visit France.↩