751G.00/6–253: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
2363. Rptd Paris 432, Hanoi unnumbered. Candidature Mendes-France1 and attention focused on Indochina have given rise to grave misgivings among French here. While general feeling is Mendes-France will not get Premiership, manifestation strong tide sweeping France to be rid Indochina burden even to extent negotiating with Commies disturbing to them in that, even if Mendes-France does not succeed, it is symptomatic public opinion trend reversal of which they do not see.
On other hand Vietnamese officials and intellectuals give outward appearance of being surprisingly insensitive to portents this trend in France. Efforts to elicit reactions evoke replies in generalities. Those who have cooperated closely with French seem reluctant to speculate and give impression they expect something turn up. Those of more nationalist leanings sound off that if French assistance withdrawn Vietnamese will rely on their own resources but seem to have no clear idea ways and means. Implicit in attitude most Vietnamese is confidence US will step in breach.
- On May 29, Pierre Mendès-France, a leader of the Radical Socialist Party and an advocate of a negotiated withdrawal from Indochina, accepted the invitation of President Auriol to form a government. On June 3, Mendès-France outlined his policy before the National Assembly. He did not present a detailed solution for the problem of Indochina, but he did contend that the burden of the war had to be reduced and that France should submit a plan for ending the conflict to its American and British allies. For the record of his presentation, see France, Journal Officie1, Assemblée Nationale, 1953, Débats, 2906–2912. On June 5, Mendes-France failed by 13 votes to achieve the Assembly majority necessary for investiture (301 to 119 with 191 abstentions). For additional documentation on the French governmental crisis, see volume vi.↩