Office of the Historian

851G.00/1–347: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France

confidential
Washington, January 3, 1947—7 p.m.

21. Newsweek Jan 6 stated that though news not yet announced, US has already taken steps halt fighting Indochina and that last week Bonnet8 was called in by Dept and told that (1) Indochinese [Page 53] settlement imperative, (2) affair could be brought up UN any time by any power and that US would not necessarily support France, (3) that US wishes ensure no lend-lease weapons being used suppress Vietnam and suspects they are being used, and (4) Moffat9 is in area and would be glad assist both sides.

For your info, of four numbered statements, three and one-half completely false. Only element truth was fact ActSecy suggested dispute might be brought up UN by third power.

Dept replying press queries that ActSecy discussed Indochina with Bonnet Dec 23 (Deptel 6586 Dec 2410). Tenor his remarks made public press conf Dec 27. (Radio bulletin No. 309). To this Dept has nothing add except statement Newsweek story pure specimen think-piece. You may make similar reply queries.

Sent Paris 21. Repeated Saigon 1.

Byrnes
  1. Henri Bonnet, French Ambassador.↩
  2. Abbot Low Moffat, Chief of the Division of Southeast Asian Affairs.↩
  3. Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. viii, p. 77.↩