751G.00/7–2154: Telegram
The Ambassador at Saigon (Heath) to the Department of State
305. Repeated information Paris 114, Hanoi 90. In South Vietnam Geneva agreements,1 anticipated with pessimism since inauguration Mendes-France, have not evoked as yet violent or marked reaction. With exception of always vocal intellectuals, reaction is chiefly one of unhappy disapproval tempered by relief that fighting ended. The demonstrations which have taken place in Saigon and elsewhere throughout Annam and South Vietnam have been well-organized but without fervor. Protests against participation in Geneva accords have seemed more for the record than as reaction public opinion. Extent of tragedy to country perhaps not yet fully realized.
As example, French officers training Vietnamese troops, which almost wholly Cochin-Chinese, report little or no emotional reaction to news from Geneva. Similar lack of reaction noted by members of various American missions in Saigon. USOM Saigon representative returning from Hue reports reaction there largely one of intense relief that line established to the north.
The announcement by Prime Minister Diem and Chief of Staff Vietnamese Army Hinh, although deploring partition, counsel calm and preparation of free Vietnam reunite country. Former, in appeal to Vietnamese people, states “in spite of our pain, in spite of our revulsion, we must remain calm and united to hold out our arms to our refugee brothers … while preparing ourselves without delay for the peaceful and difficult struggle which must finally liberate our country from all foreign direction, no matter what it may be, and from all opposition”. Flags on all Vietnamese official buildings half-masted July 22.
Hinh has informed General O’Daniel he would abide by agreements reached. His public announcement reflects that decision.
Many intellectuals continue their same line of argument that unless French honestly willing give up control and leave country to Vietnamese [Page 1862] there will be no possibility prevent Communists from taking over control country through elections or force. Many argue that with departure of French, non-Communist Viet Minh leaders would not hesitate to join Diem government.
Meanwhile, although Saigon thus far completely calm, French officials remain apprehensive, demonstrations being carefully controlled and evening curfew being imposed on all French military personnel. French military being advised not to appear in public singly and to avoid crowded places.
Reaction of skepticism regarding appeal of “free” Vietnam to Tonkinese reflected in apprehension expressed by Pham Huu Chuong, Minister Health and Social Action, who informed Acting Director USOM, Saigon, that he beginning to fear that large number of anticipated refugees (some 700,000 according to Minister’s calculations) will not evacuate in belief they might be leaving north to migrate to area which would not offer greater opportunity and which ultimately destined to fall to Viet Minh control.
We anticipate situation will steadily rankle in Vietnamese opinion and progressively embitter attitude towards French unless latter accomplish a remarkable diplomatic effort and effective aid program.