851G.01/6–649: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
2308. Today’s press carries text Auriol message to Bao Dai informing him of promulgation of law for union Cochin-China with Vietnam. “France has thus carried out its commitments; independence and unity Vietnam within French union have become a reality”.
Message states March 8 agreements will enter into effect following “imminent” exchange of instruments at Saigon and will be published in their entirety immediately thereafter. As Viet national aspirations satisfied and way now clear for reestablishment peace, Auriol requests Bao Dai, as soon as he shall have constituted the government of “new state”, to choose immediately Viet diplomats foreseen in agreements in order that they may be jointly accredited to interested states. Message concludes that as soon as Bao Dai shall have appealed to all spiritual and political groups to collaborate in rebirth Vietnam and that appeal shall have restored peace, he, Auriol, in agreement with Bao Dai and Vietnam law, is prepared either to grant broad pardons for offenses and crimes committed during last unhappy years or in the same spirit to grant wide amnesty to bring about a fraternal reconciliation and to contribute to a sound peace and a growing prosperity in Vietnam.
Sent Department 2308, repeated Saigon 92.