751G.00/6–952: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dunn) to the Department of State
7684. Sent Saigon 436, London unnumbered. Deptel 7241, June 7.1
1. Following Emb views re para 1 b Saigon tel 2224, May 12:
While recognizing desirability some kind of evolutionary statement by French and likely beneficial effect in Indochina, as well as elsewhere in Asia, Emb believes it would be difficult for French Govt to issue statement committing it to specific long range future plans without very careful consideration by French Cabinet and possibly without consultation with, or debate in, National Assembly. Saigon tel 2224 may provide solution this question in stating that French position seems to have moved far enough so that statement could catch up with facts.
Emb suggests desirability proposing to Letourneau issuance of “balance sheet” by French Govt which would show what French have actually done in Indochina in terms of transferring admin control and authority to Vietnamese, including, of course, creation national armies. If such statement of results to date could be accompanied by general statement that with restoration peace position Associated States within French Union could be considered, so much the better.
French in past have failed obtain maximum publicity value out of concessions they have made over period several years and Emb‘s effort at one time to obtain, for use our diplomatic missions in Asia, from Ministry Associated States actual details of French actions in Indochina representing transfers authority to Vietnamese met with no success.
Time might well be propitious for French Govt to draw all loose ends together and issue what would in effect be white paper on Indochina. Only argument against such action would be possibility of revealing what limitations still remain on independence Associated States. Emb is of opinion, however, that it would do no harm to discuss this subject with Letourneau and some good might result therefrom.
In connection talks with Letourneau, Dept might also wish bring up Franco-Associated States econ conversations now going on at Paris. It will be recalled Emb approached FonOff prior opening these econ conversations pointing out Dept’s desire bring to French Govt’s attention US trade arrangements with Philippines as pertinent to Franco-Associated States discussions. (Embtel 6582, April 26, Saigon 384.)2 French have in effect given polite brush off on this subject by failure follow through on Emb‘s offer to provide more details and to discuss further. Min Associated States says talks have stopped for [Page 177] time being due Vietnamese Governmental changes and that Associated States have not yet submitted lists referred to in Embtel 7155, May 19, Saigon 406.3
- In telegram 7241 to Paris, June 7, not printed, the Department asked the Embassy to comment on paragraph I B of telegram 2224 from Saigon, May 12. (601.5151G/6–752) Paragraph I B considered the question of an “evolutionary statement” by the French Government. Telegram 2224 is printed on p. 134.↩
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