751G.00/9–2554: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
niact
1115. Tonight Millet of French Embassy and Cheysson informed Dept French forces in order prevent clashes and bloodshed intervened in Saigon area between Cao Dai troops moving towards city and Binh Xuyen. French seriously concerned and desire joint US–French position. As solution they want Bao Dai instruct Hinh and Binh Xuyen immediately cooperate Diem Govt, prevent disorders, relieve French nasty chore, and unite for urgent tasks build strong Viet Nam and vigorously counter Viet Minh. LaChambre will telephone above solution to Paris if we concur.
Although we have received no other info this situation, we inclined agree such action, since it seems safe assume it would be along lines [Page 2072] recent Dept instructions on Diem and Bao Dai and with indications Saigon 1232 repeated info Paris 431.2 However Dept would most certainly not want our assent be construed to permit nor to result in Bao Dai firing Diem. Essential US views accurately understood by French and Bao Dai.
LaChambre informed substance this telegram.
Comments requested.3
- Drafted by Young of PSA. Also sent to Saigon as niact telegram 1218.↩
- Dated Sept. 25, p. 2059.↩
- In telegram 1238 from Saigon, Sept. 26, Ambassador Heath reported that the French had turned back Cao Dai troops seeking to join the palace guard. In view of the danger of troop movements and clashes, he endorsed the proposal that the French request Bao Dai to instruct Hinh and the Binh Xuyen to cooperate with Diem. (751G.00/9–2654) Ambassador Dillon, in telegram 1287 from Paris, Sept. 26, also endorsed the proposal, stating: “If French prepared take position indicated reference telegram [1115], we see no reason delay our agreement since it would appear French have now accepted fully our view of situation.” (751G.00/9–2654) In telegram 1308 of the following day, Dillon reported that Dejean had delivered the agreed message to Bao Dai at Cannes. Bao Dai had not appeared pleased. (751G.00/9–2754)↩