751G.11/5–253: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigan (McClintock) to the Secretary of State
2067. Repeated information Paris 340. I thoroughly concur in principle with last sentence Deptel 2088, April 29 repeated Paris 5447. However at current juncture facing difficulties with King of Cambodia and reluctant King of Laos, I doubt if French could be persuaded to take immediate measures to curb avariciousness of Bao Dai. Furthermore, transfer of 80 million francs has already been accomplished.
[Page 537]There is no one in Indochina in French High Command or Commissariat with whom representations would be effective at present time. Suggest however that Embassy Paris make known in no uncertain terms to Letourneau and Prime Minister our views on this point. Once new Commissioner General is appointed, time might be appropriate to undertake an even more determined démarche.
Although automatic argument is constantly proferred that Bao Dai is essential as symbol of Vietnamese unity I think this concept merits re-examination. In my view if we are to get rid of problems posed by Bao Dai, solution is to get rid of Bao Dai himself.