851G.00/1–747: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
74. Bangkok’s Jan 7 reptd to you. In the light of reports from Saigon, Hanoi and Bangkok we are increasingly concerned about the situation as it has developed in Indochina. The press knows of Bonnet’s call at the Dept on Dec 24 and we have indicated to the press (see Bulletin 309) that we are awaiting the Moutet reports. With the situation in Indochina we can (therefore expect increased public interest over here. In the light of reports we have been receiving from the area and which have been repeated to you the situation in Indochina can no longer be considered to be a purely local or internal matter. We are therefore vitally interested in such decisions as the French Govt may reach following Moutet’s return to Paris and as a result of the reports which he will no doubt make. We naturally hope that an equitable solution can be found which will bring an end to hostilities in Indochina. I feel that it will be useful for you to have an informal talk with Blum reiterating our interest in this matter as was done here with Bonnet (Embtel [ Deptel ] 6586 Dec. 2430) and express the hope that the French will be willing to keep us fully informed of developments.31
Sent Paris as 74 reptd for info to Saigon as 5, Hanoi as 4, Bangkok as 16.
- Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. viii, p. 77.↩
- The Ambassador in France, Caffery, reported in telegram 237, January 17, 9 p.m., as follows: “I spoke of the Indo-Chinese situation with Leon Blum today. He fully appreciates our point of view and will, I feel sure, convey that fact to President Auriol as well as to the ministers in the new government.” (851G.00/1–1747) This was reported by the Department in telegram 14, January 20, 7 p.m., to Saigon and repeated in 9 to Hanoi. The French National Assembly and the Council of the Republic had elected Vincent Auriol as President on January 16, and a new cabinet under Premier Paul Ramadier was confirmed on January 21.↩