851G.00/1–2147: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State

secret

444. Department’s telegram 335, January 20.38 1. Indo-China situation discussed at Foreign Office 21st. Following highlights discussion:

(a)
British were prepared discuss Indo-Chinese situation with Blum provided he raised question. Blum did not do so and therefore Indo-China was not discussed in Blum talks here.
(b)
Foreign Office unable to predict whether Indians propose raise Indo-China issue UN. Foreign Office has no evidence Indians will do [Page 65] so but points out Indian politicians unpredictable and now virtually independent of British influence.
(c)
French Embassy complained informally to Foreign Office over anti-French and pro-Vietnam statements attributed Nehru39 and Aung San,40 but was told British Government could accept no responsibility therefor.
(d)
During last fortnight or so French have flown about 20 aircraft through India and Burma to Indo-China. British approved flights but requested French to space flights so as not to create undue attention India and Burma and possibility of Indian and Burmese objection.
(e)
Foreign Office unable hazard prediction whether India and Burma will endeavor provide substantial material support Vietnam regime. Thus far India has given no such support while in Burma support limited to about 100 volunteers. Foreign Office view is neither India nor Burma in position grant any important support Vietnam.
(f)
British Embassy Paris after discussions with French Foreign Office sees little prospect clarification French policy for fortnight after formation new government, it being felt at least that much time will be needed consider Moutet’s report and recommendations. Meantime French probably will continue military operations and strengthening of forces in Indo-China.
(g)
Foreign Office has no evidence Siam Government overtly supporting Vietnam or other anti-French elements Indo-China. Foreign Office of view Siamese would scarcely risk such activities at this juncture but might adopt such policy in event of disintegration French authority Indo-China.

2.
Foreign Office states it much concerned over Indo-China situation particularly in reference possible adverse repercussions in India, Burma and Indonesia. But we gather from our talks with Foreign Office officials that Foreign Office has formulated no clear and positive proposals for coping with situation should it continue to deteriorate. British obviously hope French and Vietnam will be able speedily to reconcile differences but they apparently feel such hopes have little chance of materializing in light present developments. Meanwhile British await policy clarification new French Government and trust it will devise policy mutually satisfactory to France and Vietnam.
3.
Foreign Office states it would welcome our views on steps that might be taken to harmonize French-Vietnam relations.

Sent Department 444, repeated Paris 99.

Gallman
  1. Not printed; it requested that the British Foreign Office views be sounded out and stated that the French Government was “fully advised our concern and Caffery has personally reiterated Blum informally our interest and desire be kept fully informed”. (851G.00/1–2047)
  2. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Executive Councilor for External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations of the Indian Interim Government.
  3. U Aung San, Deputy Chairman of the Burman Executive Council and head of Burma Mission to London.