751G.00/7–2550: Telegram
The Minister at Saigon (Heath) to the Secretary of State
secret
no distribution
no distribution
Saigon, July 25,
1950—8 p. m.
105. Lacy from Melby. Carpentier upon discovering we both speak Portuguese opened up to me on IC situation as follows:
- 1.
- All SEA and India are “ripe” for Communism. In case of India much blame must be attached to Nehru who unwittingly or not is playing Kremlin line.
- 2.
- VM problem cannot be solved by military means alone. French by proper application of force can break back of Viet Minh military strength, but basic problem it represents will crop up again in same or other form. Hatred of French is so deep-seated and traditional that French incapable of selling that political, economic and propaganda follow-up required to make military successes stick. Only Vietnam can do this and Bao Dai, though intelligent and aware of problem, seemingly lacks requisite determination and training. Some new and vitalizing element should be injected into situation within predictable future.
- 3.
- VM only group in IC possessing driving faith in its own cause. All Viets secretly pleased with VM success in bogging down French since distaste for white man greater than any other fear. Pignon believes Vietnam under certain conditions, notably a lack of determination on part of Viet leaders, capable at some point of making deal with VM. For same reasons, some Viets quietly pleased with American reverses in Korea. Foregoing views Carpentier obviously not those officially expressed by Pignon, though Carpentier asserts he shares them privately. I will reserve any comments until end of IC visit.
Erskine requests that Carpentier views be passed Defense since same also expressed to him. [Melby.]
Heath