851G.01/5–3049: Telegram
The Ambassador in Frame (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
2189. Embassy has carefully studied Deptels 77, May 10 and 83, May 20 to Saigon and 14, May 20 to Hanoi. French Government is of course acutely aware that Bao Dai’s success will depend on ability his government obtain wide popular support and to govern effectively. Embassy receives impression, however, that Department convinced Bao Dai doomed to failure unless further concessions obtained from French at this time.
At risk being repetitious, Embassy wishes point out that March 8 agreements define limits of Vietnam’s “independence within French Union.” Obviously these limits could not be broadened without renegotiation March 8 agreements which embody maximum concessions which Cabinet has been able to agree upon and which Queuille risked his government to obtain. It was only with great difficulty that he was able to persuade political parties forming coalition—notably the Socialists—to approve action their members in Cabinet in accepting March 8 agreements. Such approval was of course essential if government was to obtain parliamentary support its Indochina policy in form early approval. Change status Cochin China and ultimately approval agreements themselves in one form or another (Embtel 2121, May 23 [24]).
Embassy believes, however, that March 8 agreements afford as much room for satisfying Vietnamese aspirations self-rule and international status as Vietnamese themselves are now able to cope with. Department is aware of prominent role of French High Commissioner in implementation agreements. Embassy has been repeatedly informed by Bao Dai’s advisers that they are satisfied Pignon will move forward rapidly in an honest and sincere implementation of agreements. It is Embassy’s belief that French Government will be guided by and support Pignon and is well ahead of parliamentary thinking on evolution Vietnam. On the specific points of foreign relations and army, command of latter reverts to French only in time of war. As to former, French prepared gradually to extend scope Vietnam representation abroad but basic conception French Union calls for coordination foreign policies of its component elements. Department will recall Ho is on record as prepared accept status for Vietnam within French Union.
Within above limits, Embassy believes French can be constantly and successfully pressed for liberal interpretation and implementation.
Sent Department 2189; repeated Saigon 85.