851G.00/2–1547: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State

secret

688. During lengthy conversation yesterday, Gustave Moutet, son and head of personal “Cabinet” of Minister Overseas France, insisted on fact that “no one in French Government has any thought of reconquering [Page 73] area or re-establishing 1939 status quo”. He said that French wanted to negotiate as soon as possible with Vietnam but that this would only be possible after military successes which would prove to Vietnam its impossibility of obtaining military decision.

Gustave Moutet said current French military policy is destruction of Vietnam’s Armed Forces with little consideration to expand territory occupied, and he added military situation had “greatly improved” recently and that Vietnam’s military resistance now generally weakening. He said Vietnam losses in killed were between 8,000 and 10,000. He believes arrival of reinforcements will permit further military advantages, but uncertain whether these would be sufficient to permit successful negotiations. Combined operations by French forces on the spot, plus reinforcements, will not be possible for extensive period, as French Government most anxious repatriate certain units which have been in Indo-China for long while.

Concerning Vietnam’s possible appeal to UNO, Gustave Moutet confirmed French would oppose this move energetically, alleging Vietnam has no international status, and that France is “only foreign power which has recognized Vietnam’s entity and this only as part of French Union”.

D’Argenlieu’s removal was commented on in these terms: “Notwithstanding his many qualities he has now outlived his usefulness. Furthermore his proud and solitary character has resulted in difficulties between himself and all elements in Indo-China.” Choice of successor will only be made by Government after D’Argenlieu’s return, but it was clearly indicated military would be chosen “at least for a while as civilian High Commissioner would be considered a loss of face”.

Caffery