651.51G/10–1853: Telegram
The Ambassador at Saigon (Heath) to the Department of State
681. Repeated information Paris 204, Hanoi unnumbered. As indicated in mytel’s 6721 and 676,2 October 17 without awaiting Department’s [Page 835] instructions I had suggested Vietnamese National Congress vote resolution of gratitude for French efforts and American help, US being included in order make resolution more palatable to anti-French elements Congress. I had at first hoped that Congress would amend original resolution re negotiations to include grateful reference to France. At reception for Congress October 16, I talked in this sense with Buu Loc, Tran Van An, Secretary General Congress, several Nationalist members, and Quat. All at that time were hopeful that at evening session resolution would be amended to a form acceptable to French opinion and susceptibilities. Actually, only change made was amendment statement refusing to enter French Union to one declining participate French Union “in its present form”.
When I received official new draft resolution morning 17th, I immediately went to De Jean to discuss idea of congressional resolution expressing gratitude to France. I thereupon saw Buu Loc and Prime Minister Tam, again urging necessity of some such expression by Congress.
De Jean sent French priest to Bishop Le Huu Tu’s3 representative, urging similar action. When I saw Buu Loc again at noon, latter practically admitted he had failed. He urged me, however, to see Quat. Fact is that Buu Loc had no authority and little prestige among Nationalist Congressmen. I am sure that Tam had done his best but he had been removed from any connection or authority over Congress by Bao Dai’s order. Quat told me he would do his best to get such resolution but that owing temper and composition of Congress it would be difficult if not impossible. Most that could be hoped for were friendly and grateful references to France in closing speech of Congress President Kim.
Principal groups in Congress and their leaders on sidelines were aware, I believe, of necessity of tendering an olive branch to French official and public opinion, but no one had courage to make any motion or say anything in public which would expose him then or afterwards to dread accusation of being pro-French. This natural pusillanimity was heightened by extremely vocal activity of such “rallies” as Vu Van Huyen and Pham Huu Chuong who were quick to denounce utterances in Congress smacking of anything but most rabid nationalist stand.
Apart from this important consideration, neither congressional groups nor Dai Viet had organizational control over their own delegates to Congress.
- Dated Oct. 17, p. 828.↩
- Telegram 676 from Saigon, Oct. 17, read in part as follows: “National Congress held closing session afternoon Oct. 17. Buu Loc, Tam, and Kim, President of Congress, did much to pick up pieces left by Oct. 16 motion against adherence French Union in present form, but formal resolution expressing Congress’ gratitude for French sacrifice in defense Vietnamese independence, which I had urged on leaders, was not forthcoming.” (651.51G/10–1753)↩
- Bishop of Phat Diem.↩