751G.00/4–2954: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
2149. Repeated information Paris 723, Geneva 20, London 43. There is mounting concern in Vietnam over rumors that great Western Powers at Geneva will assent to, if not actually propose, partition of this country as acceptable settlement of conflict in Indochina.
De Jean this morning sought to portray partition idea as “made in United Kingdom” and strongly deprecated entire concept (Geneva’s telegram Secto 161). We know, of course, from Paris telegrams that certain politicians in France have likewise talked of partition.
As indicated in Embassy telegram 2087 repeated Paris 694, London 37,2 such a course would mean loss of everything we are trying to maintain in Southeast Asia.
It would be most helpful in allaying current anxieties if some statement, possibly from the Secretary, could be made promptly indicating that we oppose partition of Vietnam.