751G.00/9–1750: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Blancké) to the Secretary of State
82. ReContel 69, August 31.1 Offensive appears begun. Dongkhe attacked by some 8,000 and French paratroops dispatched hence. Second bureau2 not yet sure how fight going but no indication Chinese involved. French believe this is attack expected Caobang but say 8,000 more Viet-Minh in area may also hit latter.3
[Page 882]Yesterday before this news Marchand4 confirmed reports pressure at Pakha east of Laokay and admitted Pakha might be beginning; told me then he favored Dongkhe or other medium post for east side attack rather than Caobang. Asked if paratroops sufficed succor both corners said depended developments. If Pakha becomes second front French may be in trouble.
Support of local people may eventually throw balance and that should go to first apparent winning side. If Viet-Minh pulls off coup and looks good, may be signal for hell in Hanoi. Trevor Wilson’s5 border line connections claim city already organized in Viet-Minh blocks for uprising.
Imperative US support French to extent that even if lose face outset it will be evident this only temporary and plenty help on way. Arming villages also urgent or they will give up.
Department pass Paris; sent Department 82, repeated information Saigon, Paris unnumbered.
- Not printed.↩
- French intelligence.↩
- The fall of Dongkhe on September 18 was followed by the rapid deterioration of the French position in northern Tonkin. After the evacuation of Caobang in early October, the retreating French garrison and a relief force sent to its assistance were virtually annihilated. During the remainder of the month, the French abandoned one strongpoint after another. Langson was evacuated on October 21. With the abandonment of Laokay on November 3, French forces controlled only the coastal town of Moncay on the entire Chinese border.↩
- General Marchand, Acting Commander of French forces in northern Vietnam.↩
- Arthur Geoffrey Trevor Wilson, British Consul at Hanoi.↩