851g.01/7–948: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
2637. Dept approves line of action recommended last para Embtel 3621 and wishes you proceed immediately to ascertain disposition Schuman Govt toward dealing with Indochina situation before Assembly adjournment. On basis your findings you should apply such persuasion and/or pressure as is best calculated produce desired result. In applying such persuasion and/or pressure you may in your discretion convey to Schuman Govt that once Baie d’Along agreement together with change in status Cochinchina approved, Dept would be disposed consider lending its support to extent publicly approving French Govt’s action as forward looking step toward settlement of troubled situation Indochina and toward realization of aspirations Vietnamese people. It appears to Dept that above stated US approval would materially assist in strengthening hands of nationalists as opposed to communists in Indochina. Keep Dept closely informed. Sent Paris as 2637; rptd Saigon as 115.