751G.00/4–2954: Telegram
The Ambassador in Paris (Dillon) to the Department of State
4137. Repeated information Geneva 152, Saigon 484. Jacquet who returned last night from seeing Bao Dai in Cannes expects proceed Geneva later in day report results to Bidault.
They are that Bao Dai received argument that Viet Minh be present at Geneva with less objection than had been feared. Although His Majesty dwelt at length on disadvantages from standpoint Vietnam public opinion and insisted on need consult ministers before making final decision, Jacquet convinced he will come around in day or two after oriental sensibilities have been assailed. He believed Ambassador Heath’s visit today should help accelerate process.
Jacquet’s argument was that failure agree present plan for participation nine countries in Indochina phase Geneva might result in inclusion India, Indonesia and other undesirables. Bao Dai was impressed. Opinion of Vietnam ministers now in Cannes, including Dinh, Vinh [Page 614] and Dac Khe, will influence ultimate decision but not likely in Jacquet’s opinion divert Bao Dai from agreeing in due course.
Jacquet delighted final signing Franco–Vietnamese declaration1 and took obvious pleasure reporting that in light present serious adversities facing both partners and in part because of theme relations between French and Vietnam Governments, at least as presented by officials both countries in France and Geneva, are unusually cordial.
- France and the State of Vietnam issued a declaration on Apr. 28 undertaking to conclude two treaties, one affirming Vietnamese independence, the other defining relations between the two countries. The texts of the treaties were initialed in Paris on June 4 but were never ratified.↩