751G.00/5–2653: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
2318. Repeated Paris 421, Hanoi unnumbered. Embassy officer drew out Offroy today on his views Indochina situation. Commenting on tide defeatism surging in France Offroy said his personal estimate [Page 584] was that so long as possibility Korean truce and Far East settlement existed, French should work towards having such settlement extended to Indochina. (Embassy officers impression is that this Micawberish hope that something will turn up to rescue France from tight position it now finds itself plays large part in French thinking.) If no Korean settlement reached Offroy felt that in six months French weariness with Indochina war would reach critical point. Alternatives then would be seek negotiation with Viet Minh or turn Indochina burden over to US.
Asked whether better course for France might not be to take now steps to satisfy Associated States nationalism with view winning increased measure support from anti-Communist elements Associated States, Offroy shrugged shoulders saying that support Indochina war came from French elements who opposed concessions to Associated States, change would entail reversal entire basis French Government Indochina policy. To suggest alternatives postulated by him would mean even greater blow to French presence Indochina, Offroy agreed but thought it too much to expect vested interests supporting Indochina war effort to exercise foresight.
In view possibility Reynaud may become Prime Minister believe interesting Offroy comment Reynaud favors turning Indochina problems over to US.