751G.00/10–1753: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
priority
1517. Repeated information Saigon priority 138, London priority 299. Re Embtel 1507.1 Embassy officer saw Jacquet, Secretary of State for Relations Associated States, this morning.
News of first resolution received Paris yesterday early afternoon had, as reported, been bombshell. Jacquet was summoned to Ely see by Auriol followed by telephone calls back and forth to French delegation in London, interviews with Nguyen De (acting for Bao Dai) and certain deputies who lost no time bringing matter of “failure of government’s policy in Indochina” to attention Assembly.
First action was despatch of telegram by Nguyen De, to Buu Loc in Saigon. Telegram, copy of which we were shown, was addressed to Buu Loc and Tam in Bao Dai’s name and phrased in firmest terms. Resolution criticized as unwise, ill timed and contrary to Vietnam’s interests which demand membership French Union. Buu Loc and Tam instructed take immediate steps amend resolution and inform delegates that Congress had “no constitutional or administrative powers”. Jacquet says telegram was sent without any urging or for that matter consultation. Bao Dai said to have been “furious” and prepared depart immediately for Saigon to take corrective steps including, if necessary, dissolving Congress.
De Jean’s telegram reporting resolution, copy of which we were also shown, not received until last night. Speaks of his intercession with Buu Loc and Tam during period between day and evening sessions. They were reminded of disastrous effect resolution would have on French public opinion and expeditionary force when major offensive in progress,2 etc. De Jean speaks of able support given his démarche by Heath.
News of amendment to resolution adding phrase “in the present form defined by the constitution of 1946” received Paris late last night is considered be result both Bao Dai and De Jean démarches and to have cleared atmosphere considerably. As Jacquet confirmed, government has never questioned need review form of French Union as defined 1946 constitution and considers it integral part questions to be dealt with in forthcoming negotiations and, inevitably, in both Assembly and Senate Indochina debates.
As result amendment atmosphere considerably relaxed here today. Neither Jacquet nor Foreign Office intend make any public statements. Press gives wide coverage news reporting that interpolations of Lavet [Page 834] (UDSR) and Kuehn (ARS) have already been filed with Assembly and pressure growing for immediate Indochina debate. On this score Jacquet reports that Senate Indochina debate now scheduled for November 12 and that he hopes Assembly debate can be held off on grounds his coming absence from Paris and amendment to resolution.
Both Jacquet and Foreign Office highly critical of Buu Loc’s instability and duplicity. They think Bao Dai should return Saigon promptly and that he probably will. Their explanation original resolution that Congress under strong influence delegates recently defected from Viet Minh to take sweeping step. Furthermore, many “extremist” nationalists not delegates and Congress wished, with oriental reasoning, prove that their absence would not prevent action they would have advocated if present. Moreover simply case Congress feeling oats.
Jacquet particularly bitter on “unanimity” first resolution. Were Buu Loc and Tam not delegates and, theoretically, acting under Bao Dai’s instruction. Why did not former, at least, speak up. On other hand, consoled by large vote in favor amendment. Now inclined regard whole episode as another evidence strange oriental ways. If manner in which oriental position on given subject can change radically within hours as practical considerations alter conditions appears strange to us so must manner in which we invariably swallow bait hook and line appear unreal to orientals. We must try hold things in proper perspective.
As to next steps Jacquet thinks it best French officials say as little as possible. More than enough will be said in Assembly, Senate and in course negotiations. He does think it would be helpful if Secretary or other high American official could find suitable occasion in near future to refer to fact that while every means is now open for discussing eventual form French Union and relationships within it important immediate consideration is to get on with war.
- See footnote 2, p. 827.↩
- On Oct. 14, French Union forces opened a major offensive on the southern portion of the delta perimeter, “Operation Mouette.”↩