751G.00/7–1152: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Department of State
145. Discussed Sen talk with Asst [Under] Secy Bruce and Indochi sit gen with Nehru at some length July 10.
PriMin seemed pleased and relieved report development Indochi armies and gradual liquidation of Fr position. He spoke particularly reduction Fr civil service. He stated it unfortunate new govt did not appear be more democratic and asked if there were no Indochi leaders with popular support.
I stated the monarchies had deep roots and for time being they seemed offer most substantial hope for successful govts. He agreed that it was wholly desirable that Indochi vacuum shld not be allowed develop, and overnight solution cannot be expected. He said Fr had lost great opportunity get out gracefully as Brit had done India. Stated only disagreement he had with US was fact that we had not put earlier pressure Fr to do what they doing now.
[Page 221]I stated pressure we cld bring bear on anyone distinctly limited and that any event there now seemed be real hope for stable sitn provided Chi Commies did not attack. I asked him what chances were for this development. Nehru answered he wld be very surprised if Chi moved troops across boundary. I stated if such attack occurred it wld in all probability touch off much broader and explosive mil action and asked PriMin if he felt Chi clearly understood this. He smiled and said he had no doubt they understood it and indeed he felt this major reason why Chi invasion not taken place and in his opinion wld not take place foreseeable future.