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

851G.01/10–2049: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Saigon

secret

Washington, October 21, 1949—7 p. m.

177. Dept, on receipt from Fr Emb Sep 24 of ltr from Bao Dai addressed Pres¹ (text sent Saigon as agam), consulted with Brit here (urtel 340 Oct 20²). Dept explained desired if possible coordinate action with Brit in premises and suggested fol for their consideration:

Reply be made to Fr note transmitting Bao Dai’s ltr simply acknowledging receipt. Dept added that it considered no action on ltr was possible, at least until ratification by Fr Assembly of Mar 8 accords and that in interim, Brit and US ConGens in Saigon informally might be instructed indicate member Bao Dai’s entourage via High Commissioner that no reply possible until requisite Fr Assembly action Mar 8 agreement.

Brit subsequently informed us that Bao Dai’s ltr has been brought King’s attention but have not yet responded to our suggested course of action. Further instrs will follow.

Acheson

1. August 31, p. 74, and footnote 1.
2. Not printed.