Office of the Historian

751G.00/10–954: Telegram

The Consul at Hanoi (Corcoran) to the Department of State

official use only
priority
Hanoi, October 9, 1954—4 p.m.

274. Sent Saigon 360, Paris 86. Saigon pass information USIA. Viet Minh military began entering Hanoi in force this morning simultaneously with French withdrawal. Estimate bulk of French forces will be over Doumer Bridge by late afternoon. Streets adjacent Consulate patrolled by Viet Minh. Viet Minh flags flying throughout city. Loudspeaker trucks announcing orders to troops for proper conduct towards population within earshot Consulate. Troops occupied former office and residence Governor North Vietnam at eleven hours. Occupation city proper expected be complete by midnight with troops moving to edge perimeter tomorrow. Only few minor incidents so far. Sainteny arrived last night. Consulate not yet contacted [Page 2128] by Viet Minh. Occupation appears well-organized with officials promptly posting instructions to populace.1

Corcoran

  1. In telegram 276 from Hanoi, Oct. 9, Maj. John D. McGowan, Assistant Army Attaché in Vietnam, reported the following:

    “Change-over orderly and efficient with no incidents. Viet Minh units began moving into Hanoi at dawn. Despite all day curfew prescribed by French Command, local population out en masse along streets by early morning, cheering enthusiastically at appearance each Viet Minh troop echelon. Red flags line streets, going up rapidly over Government buildings. Simple ceremony under marquee of Metropole Hotel, participated in by members ICC, Viet Minh, marked entrance Viet Minh into Palais du Gouvernement du Nord Vietnam (seat of government of North Vietnam). Viet Minh flag hoisted over Palais du Gouvernement at 1100 hours.

    “No restrictions on movements noted throughout morning. Free circulation among Viet Minh Army units. Soldiers posed for numerous photographs. Viet Minh officer queried stated all elements in today’s occupation are from Regiment 102. Division 308 now named the ‘Capital Division’. By noon guard details posted all Government buildings and other important installations, including US Consulate, in Viet Minh sector and wire details out laying lines. Viet Minh troops appear confident, well-disciplined, presented excellent appearance. Majority very young.” (751G.00/10–954)

    Corcoran submitted the following additional information in telegram 278 from Hanoi, Oct. 10:

    “Holiday atmosphere prevails today in Hanoi with large crowds in streets and numerous organized processions and demonstrations of school children and other groups. Control Commission personnel and journalists circulate freely throughout city. Large numbers troops and police posted throughout city and efficiently directing traffic with standard international signals. City is plastered with Viet Minh flags and slogans. Commission members said this morning they had heard of no untoward incidents so far. Noisy cheering and singing demonstrations started as early as 8 o’clock this morning particularly at Imperial Palace and in park adjacent former headquarters Governor of North Vietnam. General impression is of enthusiastic popular participation plus high degree of organization and direction these manifestations.” (751G.00/10–1054)

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