851G.00/2–747: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
865. 1. Substance Deptel 431, February 3, to Paris communicated FonOff 7th for which it expressed appreciation.
2. Reference last paragraph Deptel 612, February 6,52 FonOff states Allen53 has been in Java for some days and has had no reports from him recently on Indochina. However, based on recent discussions with French Embassy here and on reports from Paris, FonOff is of view that French are preparing ground for renewal, of conversations with Ho Chi-Minh. As evidence of more conciliatory trend in French policy FonOff cites decision of French Govt to recall D’Argenlieu as well as intimation by French Embassy here that Moutet report recommends resumption of negotiations with Vietnam. Moreover, FonOff states French now more cognizant of unrest stirred up in India, Burma, Ceylon and Singapore over Indochina and threat to line of communications. Additionally Moutet report said to indicate inability of France to carry on large scale protracted hostilities Indochina And to set forth that present French operations being carried on primarily to induce Vietnamese to moderate present policies after which French [Page 71] feel basis for satisfactory solution may be reached. As indicated above, FonOff considers French have failed in efforts to win over “moderate” Vietnamese and consequently preparing to resume negotiations with Ho.
3. FonOff feels Dept’s representations may lend impetus apparent trend of French policy to resume Negotiations with Ho. FonOff intimates it has no present intention of following our lead pointing out French still suspicious of British policy witness what happened in Syria. As FonOff now believes prospects are good for resumption by French of conversations with Ho, it feels Indochinese situation may improve rather than deteriorate and that in light of this expectation FonOff has not given consideration to steps that might be taken should situation worsen.
4. FonOff states according British Embassy Paris General Morlière has been relieved of his command.
Repeated Paris 90.