851G.00/3–2747: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
1313. Deptel 1078, March 24. Question of authenticity of peace proposals emanating from Ho Chi Minh was discussed with Baudet last evening. After admitting Ho’s letter of February 20 had been received in Paris, Baudet stated this letter, together with other messages to French, signed Ho, as well as number of orders and instructions to Viet-Nam officials recently seized in Indo-China had been examined by number of French handwriting experts who were unanimous and positive in their belief all signatures were forged. Baudet confirmed recent reports in press that no one had been found who had seen Ho Chi Minh since November [December?] 20. While French authorities do not place much credence in reports of Ho’s murder or death they are puzzled by his complete disappearance.
Remarks attributed to Moutet, mentioned in Department’s telegram under reference, were made March 19 at Socialist National Congress which took place during same period as Assembly debate on Indo-China. Baudet said he felt Moutet’s statement was hardly justified by information available to Government and pointed out that following [Page 82] day Hoach68 issued statement which, while cautious in phrasing, could only be interpreted as denial of Moutet’s allegations. Baudet expressed opinion Moutet’s remarks were designed to take some of edge off Communist attacks in Assembly on his policy. Embassy is inclined to believe Moutet was defending himself from criticism within his own party. It will be recalled that while Socialist deputies unanimously supported Moutet and Ramadier in Assembly, debate in party Congress on Indo-Chinese policy was bitter with left-wing leader Boutvien leading strong opposition to Moutet.
Baudet added that instructions to new High Commissioner Bollaert had been approved and he would presumably leave March 28 as scheduled. Baudet said, except for administrative matters, these instructions are general father than detailed. Bollaert is not being told he must or must not negotiate with any individuals or groups but his instructions provide that any conversations entered into must be with persons representing and having confidence of broad mass of people. France cannot assist in or condone establishment of Government of Viet-Nam which will not follow democratic principles as these are understood in West. France feels it would be dangerous for all concerned if small minority should be permitted to establish dictatorship over bulk of population by authoritarian and terroristic methods such as had been practiced by Viet-Minh in recent months. If Ho Chi Minh should emerge from his retirement and establish contact with Bollaert he would be told, according to Baudet, that he must first broaden base of his government and eliminate extremists. Baudet admitted reported appointment, of Hoang Minh Giam as Foreign Secretary, if confirmed,69 would appear to be step in that direction.
Re persistent rumors of possible return of ex-Emperor Bao Dai, Baudet again denied any negotiations with Bao were going on. He remarked that ex-Emperor is extremely cautious person and would certainly not consider returning to Indo-China until Viet-Minh had surrendered or been eliminated from political picture. While instructions to Bollaert did not entirely exclude possibility of return of Bao Dai, they make clear that any move for his return must originate with Annamite people.
Sent Department 1313; repeated to London 259, Moscow for delegation 188.70
- Dr. Le Van Hoach, President of the Provisional Government of Cochin China.↩
- Telegram 98, March 22, 8 a.m., from Hanoi, reported Giam’s confirmation on March 17; he filled the post previously held by Ho Chi Minh concurrently. Mr. O’Sullivan pointed out, “If French wish to deal with Vietnam, Giam is person who could be considered as outside Vietminh Party.” (851G.00/3–2247)↩
- Repeated in telegram 56, March 28, 7 p.m., to Saigon, and in 33 to Hanoi.↩