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

851G.01/7–2049: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State

restricted

Paris, July 20, 1949—10 a. m.

2964. France-Laotian treaty signed today follows broad outline Auriol-Bao Dai agreement, March 8. Principal provisions are:¹

1. France recognizes independence Laos which in turn adheres to French Union.

2. France to place its diplomatic missions at disposition Laos except in certain countries to be mutually agreed upon where Laos will have own diplomatic representation. Agreement already reached for Siam.

3. Laos endeavored-negotiate and conclude agreements relating exclusively to its own interests provided are within framework general policy French Union.

4. France to support Laos candidacy for membership UN.

5. France undertakes defend Laos frontiers. Laos to organize internal security of country.

6. France granted such bases as deems necessary in Laos and freedom circulation between them.

7. France to turn over to Laotian Government all administration services which latter desires to manage.

8. France undertakes afford financial and technical assistance development Laotian economy, transportation system, public hygiene and education, and for development natural resources. Laos to request necessary technicians and experts for France. Laos to grant French citizens and nationals French Union equal national treatment for establishment business and commercial activities.

9. Piastre to be sole currency and linked with French zone.

11 [10]. Laos to negotiate with other associated states Indochina agreements covering common services, etc.

Sent Department; repeated Saigon as 108.

Bruce

1. The French text was transmitted in despatch 710, August 2, from Paris (received August 6), not printed. (851G.01/8–249)