396.1 LO/5–150: Telegram
The United States Delegation at the Tripartite Preparatory Meetings to the Secretary of State
Secto 66. From Jessup. Opening US–UK bilateral on SEA was devoted exclusive to Indo-China.1 Dening2 opened discussion by reading message from Singapore giving view expressed by DuGardier3 that because of publicity re place Indo-China on agenda desirability some tripartite declaration of solidarity could be issued in termination of conference. I said that I was not surprised they would like such a declaration but I felt that publicity-wise it might sound too much like ganging up of colonial powers in support French position.
[Page 991]Dening then developed Foreign Office tentative view re desirability for SEA nations to issue public declaration of intention to develop their own democratic way of life and to elevate living standards of people together with positive statement they would not brook interference from without or by minority from within in achieving these ends. Such a public statement might then be sponsored and supported by public declaration by Western Powers that they would look forward to democratic and economic development three states within French union and that they would be opposed to any attempts from within or without to overthrow them. Statement would not contain any reference to Communist menace. It might then be that even India and Pakistan could join Western Powers in sponsoring the statement. However, Bevin would certainly not be prepared to support it until after consultation with other Commonwealth Governments.
I said general US feeling was we would have to find some way of obtaining support of Indo-China population. Dening agreed there was no solution without it. He said French thinking re declaration of evolutionary program for Indo-China was influenced by probability Asiatics would become impatient and demand transfer of additional power before they were prepared for it with resultant chaos. He furthermore doubted in view French internal policy, we could get them to do much along this line. He felt we should agree to help them to extent they help themselves.
I suggested that in tripartite talks US and UK make fundamental position France has primary responsibility Indo-China and we should help to best our ability. Dening concurred. I suggested it would be highly desirable to learn what French contemplated for future of Indo-China and if they wished to re-establish their political and economic domination. Dening said UK very anxious for re-establishment Indo-China as a major exporter of rice and this could only come about through pacification.
In reply to my inquiry re UK plans for building up international status Indo-China, Dening said for present Bevin may not wish to recommend establishment Legation in Saigon. He said UK had not had much success in representations to Ceylon and Burma that they recognize Vietnam. He felt it would be some time before India would be persuaded to take this step. Nehru, he thought, felt recognition Ho Chi Minh by China and USSR only confirmed correctness his position. He did not believe Nehru considered seriously calling Indo-China Conference.
I inquired whether UK relations with Communist China would restrain UK from taking categorical position re Communist aggression. Dening said this had no bearing whatsoever. What happens inside [Page 992] China is Peiping’s business; what happens in SEA is distinctly UK business. Any reluctance on this score can be attributed only to effect on India and Pakistan.
I said we should like to learn from French their views re channeling of assistance. We hoped French would merely be considered one of four nations who as a group would be given aid. Economic aid, for example, might be given direct to Vietnamese. I reiterated we wished avoid at all costs publicity which might be interpreted we were helping French to repress Vietnamese. Dening said UK prepared to hand over to French direct such military supplies as it could, stating items involved were of nature only French competent to use them. He foresaw no objection to publicity; aid was intended for four nations alike.
In general, British attitude disappointingly cautious. Dening indicated this might be due desire avoid further criticism from Left-Wing Socialists.
Sent Department Secto 66; repeated Paris 699.