790.00/10–252: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Department of State
1404. Rptd info London 70, Saigon 6. Nehru in long discussion yesterday asked me in detail about trip Southeast Asia. He particularly [Page 265] gratified my favorable report progress Burma. Most his questions dealt with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and general situation Indochina.
He asked what I heard about activities Chinese Commies along the northern boundary, probable outcome fighting this fall and winter and the real intentions of the French as far as the future is concerned.
I emphasized all over again that he could be sure American people could never be induced to subsidize Fr colonialism in Asia or anywhere else and that we were helping Fr in Indochina for only one reason i.e. we felt this area strategic key to all Southeast Asia, that if a vacuum were allowed develop there Commie Chinese would be tempted follow Jap invasion route 41 and 42, that this would jeopardize all free Asia, including India and eventually undermine security Europe and our own country.
I stated that I understood his deep-rooted suspicions and agreed that minority French might like find some way maintain their hold indefinitely Indochina. However, I pointed out that in my sincere opinion this definitely not Fr majority view and that Letourneau had made this very clear following his visit to US. I stated Letourneau had personally reassured me on this point most emphatically and so had Vietnam PriMin Tam.
Nehru stated he did not feel Letourneau‘s statement US quite as precise as I described it and that if Fr were really earnest their desires basic solution Indochina they would make it absolutely clear that they fighting only for right Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to be independent states and lay blame continuation war on Viet Minh subservience foreign power (i.e. Chinese Commies).
He stated remained sceptical Fr motives even though he willing agree there must be many intelligent Frenchmen who saw issues as I had stated them.
I said even if we could assume defeat Viet Minh and the departure of Fr three countries would still be wobbly and potential vacuum. I expressed opinion under such circumstances UN guarantee of territorial integrity Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam would be essential to their survival view Commie pressures from north and asked if India would be willing join in an assurance this kind.
Nehru stated that this would depend on circumstances at time, but if Fr were really out and these three nations really free, India would be willing take positive position.
(Again let me say I realize many complicated problems we face Indochina and elsewhere which affect our relations with Fr. However, it seems to me, Nehru‘s point has considerable validity and only when people three Indochinese countries convinced Fr honestly intend [Page 266] get out are we likely see development of offensive dynamic spirit strong enough insure military victory.)
[Here follows discussion of other subjects.]