Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume IX

893.01/10–1949: Telegram

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

Paris, October 19, 1949—5 p. m.
[Received October 19—2:41 p. m.]

4367. Baeyens tells us that in preliminary consultations on future French policy re French recognition Chinese Communist government considerable attention being given to repercussions recognition would have in Indochina (Embtel 4335, October 17). Pignon³⁸ has advised Foreign Office that early recognition would constitute important moral support to Vietminh to detriment Bao Dai.³⁹ He is urging that recognition be postponed as long as possible and at least for next few months.

Sent Department 4367, repeated London 732; Department pass Saigon 138.

Bruce

38. Léon M. Pignon, French High Commissioner in Indochina.
39. Chief of State of Vietnam.