751G.00/5–1454: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
[Received 11:24 a.m.]
2394. Repeated information Paris 843, Geneva 111, London 64, Hanoi unnumbered. This morning De Jean asked me to read his telegram to Bidault analyzing motives behind Viet Minh armistice proposals on which he commented as set forth Embtel 2384, repeated Geneva 102, Paris 836, London 62 and 2388, repeated Paris 839, Geneva 107.1
De Jean says primary objective of Communists is to force withdrawal of United States from Asia in general and Indochina in particular. An objective of equal importance is to shatter alliance of US with France in NATO. Acceptance by France of Viet Minh armistice proposals would be calculated in Communist strategy so to arouse antipathy of American people that France would no longer be judged worthy in US eyes of being regarded as useful ally.
Second main objective of Communists as indicated Viet Minh armistice proposals is to eliminate France itself from Indochina. De Jean points out that military provisions of armistice proposals clearly contemplate withdrawal of all French forces from this peninsula. Although lip service is paid to seeming preservation of French cultural and economic influence here, De Jean draws parallel between Viet Minh proposals and what happened to French cultural and economic institutions in Czechoslovakia and Rumania. He concludes that for France to agree to essence of Viet Minh offer would mean not only abdication [Page 1562] of France of its responsibilities here, but would be beginning of end of France in Europe also.2
- For telegram 2384 from Saigon, May 13, see p. 1557; regarding telegram 2388, see footnote 3, p. 1559.↩
- Telegram 2315 to Saigon, May 15, read as follows: “For McClintock from the Secretary. If you deem appropriate, please orally tell De Jean that I personally read with great attention your reports of his views, as for example your 2394. I believe he has a clear insight into situation. Give him my best regards.” (751G.00/5–1454)↩