751G.00/10–1154: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Corcoran) to the Department of State
280. Sent Saigon 366, Paris 91. Elaborate parade marked entry additional Viet Minh troops Hanoi Sunday morning.1 Marching infantry, Russian trucks, machine guns and light artillery received warm welcome from large crowds. Troops carried flowers presented by populace and “cheer leaders” or agitators in ranks and among spectators kept applause and cheers going. Press and newsreel photographers including Americans and at least one obvious Russian actively covered the events as did members Control Commission. Physical condition, discipline and military appearance troops seemed good. Some details of interest to USARMA follow in separate telegram.
Gatherings and processions with Viet Minh flags and banderoles were observed throughout the city during the afternoon. Construction of elaborate triumphal arches in center of town near railway crossing caused speculation probable grand entry by Ho Chi Minh and Giap. Most Diem slogans posted on walls had been painted out by afternoon. On boulevard Hai Ba Trung not far from Consulate, a Viet Minh English language slogan read “people of Vietnam unite with people of world for peace”. Most popular Viet Minh slogan of day appeared to be “long live President Ho Chi Minh” which appeared on signs all over town. Most common shout from claques among spectators was “welcome” with an occasional “doc lap” or “independence”.
- Oct. 10.↩