751G.02/2–450: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Saigon
59. You shld deliver (for timing see Deptel 58) the fol Messages from the Pres to Bao Dai Laos and Cambodia after consultation with French High Commissioner. Actual letters will fol by pouch.
“Your Imperial Majesty: I have Your Majesty’s letter in which I am informed of the signing of the agreements of March 8, 1949 between Your Majesty, on behalf of Vietnam, and the President of the French Republic, on behalf of France. My Government has also been informed of the ratification on February 2, 1950 by the French Government of the agreements of March 8, 1949.
Since these acts establish the Republic of Vietnam as an independent State within the French Union, I take this opportunity to congratulate Your Majesty and the people of Vietnam on this happy occasion.
The Government of the United States of America is pleased to welcome the Republic of Vietnam into the community of peace-loving nations of the world and to extend diplomatic recognition to the Government of the Republic of Vietnam. I look forward to an early exchange of diplomatic representatives between our two countries.
I take this opportunity to extend my personal greetings to Your Majesty with my best wishes for the prosperity and stability of Vietnam.
His Imperial Majesty Bao Dai,
Head of State of the Republic of Vietnam.”
Next Letter
“Your Majesty: I am informed of the ratification on February 2, 1950 by the French Government of an agreement between that Government and the Government of the Kingdom of Laos which declares that from that date the Kingdom of Laos will be an independent State within the French Union. I take this opportunity to congratulate Your Majesty and the people of Laos on this happy occasion.”
[Here follow, mutatis mutandis, paragraphs 2 and 3 of the above letter to Bao Dai.]
“His Majesty Sisavang Vong,
King of Laos.”
Next Letter
“Your Majesty:
[Here follows, mutatis mutandis, the same text as the three-paragraph letter to King Sisavang Vong.]
“His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk,
King of Cambodia.”
[Page 721]While you will present the letters in your capacity as ConGen, pls point out to the Fon Ministers of the three states that the letters of recognition also invite reply to the suggestion of exchange of dipl reps. Dept understands France will acquiesce to this if requested by the three states. Dept plans establish Leg Saigon with single Minister accredited three states. Mission to be headed by Chargé pending selection and appointment of Minister.
Pls report to Dept and Paris when messages have been delivered.
Important you report fully local reaction recognition including counter measures from Ho and his backers.