851G.00/2–1047: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consulate at Hanoi

secret

14. Urtel 48 Feb. 10.55 Nanking reported Jan 22 that FonOff official vouchsafed info that French in Indochina had felt out Chinese officials there regarding possibility new regime headed by Baodai with support Annamite Nationalist Party. Official indicated revival imperial idea would be unsatisfactory China. Reed Dec 27 reported considerable talk French endeavoring contact Baodai and urge form new govt and such rumors not infrequent. However, no evidence here any concrete French proposals and Dept inclined agree urtel 9 Jan 755 that return-Baodai as head Govt only remote possibility. Presumably his past close association Ho and reported efforts China obtain Chinese backing Vietnam independence would weigh against him. Appears unlikely restoration monarchy under other pretender would be favored by present French Govt. Official Socialist organ Populaire has warned against any plan “dig up group reactionary mandarins representing out-of-date social system”.

Marshall
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