893.00/10–2349: Telegram
The Chargé in China ( Strong ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24—12:44 a. m.]
Cantel 1220. During same conversation referred to in next preceding Cantel,20 Chu Chang-wei stated Indochina Communist forces had at unnamed point or points crossed border into Kwangsi and that this done on order of Ho Chi Minh21 at request of Chinese Communists. He said Pai Chung-hsi was considering despatching troops which would not only drive Indochinese Communists out of Kwangsi but would as punitive measure pursue them into Indochinese territory. Troops would then remain Indochina as precautionary measure.
Chu stated he was authorized by President Li to request good offices of US Government to persuade French Government agree to entry of Pai’s forces into Indochina and remain there apparently indefinitely and said Chinese Government not approaching French Government. [Page 561] Embassy acceded to his request to transmit foregoing to Department. Only comment made by Embassy was that information as to specific points at which Kwangsi border violated might be provided.
At first glance this rather amazing proposal appears designed to give legal means of escape for forces of Pai and to be an attempt to involve US by likely resultant Chinese Communist violation of Indo-Chinese frontier. Pai of course is in position create same situation without French consent. In this connection it is interesting that Chu stated flatly that Pai would not retreat into Kweichow and thence into Yunnan. If this is true, it may logically be expected that failing to halt Communist advance many Pai troops would cross into Indochina.
Department pass Paris.