Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Indochina, Volume XIII, Part 2

751G.00/11–1054: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France¹

secret

Washington, November 10, 1954—5:25 p.m.

1737. Limit distribution. Paris 1883 and Saigon 1751.² Department agrees we should make our position toward Buu Hoi known to French prior Mendes talks.

Embassy Paris should therefore orally inform Foreign Office we have been struck by recent publicity given Buu Hoi as possible candidate for Prime Minister and desire US position be clear.

Basically we are supporting efforts Diem to form government of national union and believe it inconsistent with that support to discuss potential successor.

So far as Buu Hoi concerned we can state that if he or person his political ideologies were to become Chief of Government Viet-Nam a basic reexamination our present policy with respect Viet-Nam would be entailed. In our view congressional reaction with respect to his appointment (or to one sharing his policies) would be very negative.

You should point out to Foreign Office this expression our views tendered in effort clarify any possible misunderstanding on part French as to US views this subject.³

Department has made same point to French Embassy Washington when this matter raised recently on two occasions.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Hoey of PSA. Repeated to Saigon for information as telegram 1928.
2. In telegram 1883 from Paris, Nov. 3, Ambassador Dillon suggested that in view of the campaign being waged in France on behalf of Buu Hoi as a potential successor to Premier Diem, the United States might apprise the French Government of its reservations in that regard. The telegram included background information on Buu Hoi which indicated a possible willingness to treat with North Vietnam. (751G.00/11–354) In telegram 1751 from Saigon, Nov. 6, Ambassador Heath stated “we vote against Buu Hoi,” and agreed that the French might be approached on the matter. (751G.00/11–654) Neither telegram is printed.
3. In telegram 2014 of Nov. 11, Ambassador Dillon reported that Roux at the French Foreign Ministry had been informed that in the event that Buu Hoi or a politically similar individual became Premier or Imperial Delegate with full powers the United States would be compelled to undertake a basic reexamination of its Vietnam policy. (751G.00/11–1154) Dillon further reported in telegram 2018 of the same date that Cheysson had received the views of the United States on Buu Hoi “without grace.” His annoyance was described as manifest. “Cheysson reacted,” the telegram stated, “as though we had thrown monkey wrench into his plans.” (751G.00/11–1154)