Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Indochina, Volume XIII, Part 1

751G.00/10–2453: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Paris, October 24, 1953—2 p.m.

1615. Repeated information Saigon 166. Indochina debate opened afternoon October 23¹ in unexpectedly calm atmosphere. Although visitors galleries, diplomatic, press seats filled Chamber third empty.

Herriot’s and Laniel’s opening statements spoke of “necessary but very difficult” debate. All those who intervene must avoid adding to anti-French sentiments which might affect army fighting in Indochina. The debate is to be free but “dignified”.

Thereafter 4 interpellations heard. General Aumeran (Ind Rep) pursued argument that Indochina policy had been wrong Baie d’Along agreements. Prewar status should not have been changed. Solution is military one. Control Sino-Indochina frontier and cut Vietminh off from its supplies thus causing movement to collapse. Second interpellation by Giovoni (Communist) followed well-known party line. Third by Dronne (Ouras) [RPF] took line that Vietnam could not be prevented leaving union. In that case France should make new arrangement, “better marriage with France than concubinage with China.” Fourth by Boutbien (Socialist) along party line of need to pursue every opening which might lead to negotiations.

Surprisingly orderly procedure of debate interrupted only once by incident involving Pleven and Communist benches. Former intervened during Giovoni intervention to state that party had “plotted defeat of French Army in Indochina”. This led to barrage of invective from Communist benches led by Duclos who terminated display by hurling ultimate in insults at Pleven, employee (salarie) of “Americans”.

Session gave impression that emotional tension of days following Vietnam Congress action was spending itself and government’s position improving. Ten more interpellations remain to be heard on Tuesday when session will undoubtedly be more lively but government’s position will have been fortified by effects signature Franco-Laotian treaty, Tam’s salutary speech,² Bao Dai’s return and Department’s statement (Deptel 1556).³

Dillon

1. For the record of the debate on Indochina policy which occurred at the meeting of the National Assembly on Friday, Oct. 23, 1953, see France, Journal Officiel, Assemblée Nationale, 1953, Débats, pp. 4538–4550.
2. Reference is to a conciliatory statement delivered by Vietnamese Premier Nguyen Van Tam at a press conference of Oct. 23.
3. Supra.