Office of the Historian

55. Telegram From the Consul in Hanoi (Corcoran) to the Department of State1

Hanoi, March 7, 1955—4 p.m.

891. In conversation with Vice Consul last week Debarbot, aide to Sainteny, summed up as follows what we find to be still general state of mind members Sainteny mission:

(1)
France and US striving for same objectives in Indochina (halt march of communism) but working at it in different ways. French way is the right way and US would probably realize this in about two or three years when it would be too late.
(2)
French presence North Vietnam not inconsistent with French policies South Vietnam, SEATO etc.
(3)
France definitely thinking in terms of Titoism for Vietnam. If French pulled out of North Vietnam ChiCom and Russian influence would increase. Admitted French had not accomplished much with Viet Minh and chances of success in weaning Viet Minh away from communism were small. However, while there is still a chance, French believe attempt has to be made.
(4)
Stated some forces in local government are more nationalist than Communist. Pictured Ho Chi Minh and Pham Van Dong primarily as nationalists while Communist forces are Truong Chinh (head of Party) and Giap.
(5)
South Vietnam Government long way from being representative of people. Believed proposed South Vietnam Army would be resounding failure since Vietnamese officers would be same poor quality as they were under French (Debarbot commanded troops in Indochina during latter stages war) and officer corps would collapse in battle. Noted Viet Minh Army greatly politically indoctrinated while South Vietnam Army would feel it had no mission. Therefore if war broke out again South Vietnam Army would fall apart unless backed up by foreign troops.
(6)
Emphasized elections would be held and Viet Minh would probably win. Country would either be united or war would break out again. When asked what would happen if Ngo Dinh Diem tried obstruct holding elections, Debarbot humorously replied French would put Diem on ship to France and give him enough money for two years on the Riviera.

Corcoran
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 651.51G/3–755. Secret. Sent also to Saigon and Paris.↩