751G.00/10–1850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation at Saigon
384. Dept wishes to have fol msg delivered to Bao Dai personally by Min immed after Chief of State’s arrival in Saigon.1 It shld be delivered informally without submission written text but with sufficient emphasis to leave no doubt in Emperor’s mind that it represents Depts studied opinion in matter now receiving attn highest auths US Govt.
Begin msg: Bao Dai will arrive in Saigon at moment when Vietnam is facing grave crisis outcome of which may decide whether country will be permitted develop independent status or pass in near future to one of Sino-Soviet dominated satellite, a new form of colony immeasurably worse than the old from which Vietnam has so recently separated herself.
The US Govt is at present moment taking steps to increase the amt of aid to Fr Union and Assoc States in their effort to defend the territorial integrity of IC and prevent the incorporation of the Assoc States within the Commie-dominated bloc of slave states but even the resources of US are strained by our present UN commitments in Korea, the need for aid in the defense of Western Europe and our own rearmament program. We sometimes find it impossible to furnish aid as we wld wish in a given amt at a given time and in a given place.
Leadership of Vietnam Govt during this crucial period is a factor of preponderant importance in deciding ultimate outcome. Govt must display unusually aggressive leadership and courage before a discouraged people, distraught and floundering in the wake of years of civil [Page 899] war. Lesser considerations concerning the modalities of relations between the States of the Fr Union and the Rep of Fr must, for instance, be at least temporarily laid aside in face of serious threat to very existence of Vietnam as autonomous state, within Fr Union or otherwise.
We are aware (as is Bao Dai) that present Vietnamese Govt is so linked with person of Chief of State that leadership and example provided by latter takes on extraordinary importance in determining degree of efficiency in functioning of govt. Through circumstance of absence in Fr of Bao Dai and other Vietnamese leaders for prolonged period, opportunity for progress in assumption of responsibilities from Fr and extension authority and influence of govt with people was neglected. Many people, including great number Amers, have been unable understand reasons for Emperor’s “prolonged holiday” on Riviera and have misinterpreted it as an indication of lack of patriotic attachment to his role of Chief of State. Dept is at least of opinion that his absence did not enhance the authority and prestige of his govt at home.
Therefore, Dept considers it imperative Bao Dai give Vietnamese people evidence his determination personally take up reins of state and lead his country into immed and energetic opposition Commie menace. Specifically he shld embark upon immed program of visits to all parts Vietnam making numerous speeches and public appearances in the process. Chief of State shld declare his determination plunge into job of rallying people to support of govt and opposition to VM immed upon arrival Saigon. He shld announce US, Fr support for formation natl armies and his own intention assume role Commander in Chief. He shld take full advantage of Fr official declaration of intention to form natl armies (confirmed yesterday by Min Assoc States Letourneau) and set up precise plan for such formation immed.
Finally, it shld be tactfully suggested that any further display procrastination in facing realities in the form prolonged periods of seclusion at Dalat or otherwise wld confirm impressions of those not as convinced of Emperor’s seriousness of purpose as Dept and Leg are and raise questions of the wisdom of continuing to support a Vietnamese Govt which proves itself incapable of exercising the autonomy acquired by it at such a high price. End of msg.
Endeavor obtain private interview soonest possible after arrival for Dept regards timing as of prime importance. Simultaneously or immed fol inform Letourneau and Pignon of action. Saigon advise Paris in advance to synchronize informing FonOff.
- On October 11, Bao Dai announced that he was concluding his 3-month stay in France and returning to Viet-Nam.↩