Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 1

851G.01/6–1549: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

secret   priority

London, June 15, 1949—5 p. m.

2301. From Holmes for Butterworth and Hickerson: Complying with Department’s 2044,¹ saw Makins,² temporarily chargé of Foreign Office today. Lloyd of Far Eastern Department in Dening’s³ absence was present. Foreign Office had not contemplated making statement welcoming formation Vietnam and doubt advisability of so doing. It is felt that prospect of Bao Dai so unlikely that supporting statement now might result in embarrassment following Bao Dai’s failure. Opinion was expressed that it is doubtful French would consider statement by US or UK would be helpful and that in any event French should be consulted in advance of any statement.

Foreign Office believes that approach to India might in present circumstances do more harm than good, fearing Nehru⁴ blast on colonialism. Foreign Office opinion principally based on statements made by Nehru at time Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ meeting: that he does not consider Ho Chi-minh a Kremlin tool but rather a Nationalist and does not approve of March 8 agreement.⁵ Foreign Office doubtful usefulness any statement from Burma but feel that possibly something from Siam and/or Philippines might be helpful later.⁶

But I feel that no steps should be taken for de facto recognition until Bao Dai has formed government, is in effective control, and produces tangible evidence of success. They are desirous close consultation with US and common front. Foreign Office attitude with regard to economic and military assistance consistent with position concerning de facto recognition.

Foreign Office will give immediate consideration to all aspects this question; will consult with Graves on arrival and keep in close touch with Embassy. British feel that March 8 agreement gives Bao Dai little to work with and are pessimistic concerning outcome. The general position is to concert with US and so support French greatest practicable degree.

Sent Department 2301; repeated Paris 425, Saigon unnumbered. [Holmes.]

Douglas

1. June 14, p. 49.
2. Sir Roger M, Makins, Deputy Under-Secretary of State, British Foreign Office.
3. Maberly E. Dening, Assistant Under-Secretary of State, British Foreign Office, in charge of Far Eastern Department.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian Prime Minister.
5. The Department repeated telegram 2301 in 421, June 16, 3 p. m., to New Delhi, and asked for an estimate of Prime Minister Nehru’s “actual position”. (851G.01/6–1549)
6. In telegram 2063, June 16, 2 p. m., to London, the Department asked for further information on the British position. (851G.01/6–1549)