751G.00/6–1650: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (Gullion) to the Secretary of State
470. Blum and I talked frankly with Bao Dai last night in Saigon for an hour. Full substance of talk will be cabled in few hours. In brief he is profoundly discouraged and depressed although he was at pains to deny it as our interview closed. He will give no date for his return from France and says he will wait and see how events turn out. He obviously conceives of his visit as being means of putting pressure on French so that he may make concessions from this price of his return.
He believes military effort going badly and France on ropes. Politically he believes French welshing on their promises.
He speaks rather disdainfully of Huu Government as experiment with someone who loves France well. Says if it fails French policy here also has failed.
We did best bolster him citing Tonkin army successes, start of US aid and fact eyes of world on interstate conference. We conceded that at a certain moment French had apparently exaggerated fears of Vietnam intentions to force untimely dissolution of March eight agreements which caused them to stiffen attitude but we had good reason to believe they prepared to resume liberal policies. He impressed but far from convinced.
Imagine this account his state of mind will be alarming but would suggest it not be disclosed French pending receipt my full account and my interview with Pignon tomorrow. In any case impossible keep him from going France.
[Page 821]Sent Department 470; repeated info Paris 229. Department pass Paris.