893.00/12–649: Telegram
The Consul General at Saigon (Abbott) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 6—7:50 a. m.]
428. From conversation with Diplomatic Counselor Dugardier, obvious local officials worried over implications Chou En-lai “ultimatum” re Nationalist refugees since it is almost sure that, in spite all efforts French, some Nationalist troops will manage cross frontier. They are somewhat encouraged by present indications that General Pai plans retreat to Hainan and has recently pushed Communists back from Luichow Peninsula. Dugardier also pointed out that area along Tonkin frontier is largely in hands guerrilla bands now calling themselves Communists which would offer serious obstacle passage any small units Nationalist troops. He added he had requested Chinese Consul General [at] Saigon advise any Nationalist officials whom he might still be able to contact against attempts refugee troops to retreat into Tonkin. Dugardier hopes Paris will publicly reply to Chou En-lai (and I gathered he hoped we would also).
Exchange of messages between Ho Chi Minh and Mao Tse-tung considered less serious although added new factor to problem French recognition Mao regime and even forecast possibility of recognition of Ho government by Chinese Commies.
While Chou En-lai message and Ho-Mao exchange featured local press, little independent comment in native papers other than reiteration Vietnam wants no Chinese any type any time.
Sent Department 428. Pouched Hanoi; Department pass Paris, Hong Kong, Taipei.