Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The Far East, Volume IV

751G.94/220: Telegram

The Consul at Hanoi (Reed) to the Secretary of State

Hanoi, October 11, 1940—7 p.m.
[Received October 12—12:22 p.m.]

13. Reference to my telegram No. 4, September 30, 6[4?] p.m.,¹⁸ paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.

1. This morning a high official described the present situation as follows: The Governor General and the majority of Government General officials show no inclination to disregard Vichy’s instructions even though these favor the Japanese and are adverse to American and British interests. In this connection he mentioned anti-British propaganda in the press which he said emanated from the highest circles and felt that anti-American propaganda was not an improbable possibility. There is, however, a growing feeling among the middle classes and particularly the young military officers that Indochina must make a stand against the Japanese even if it means separation from Vichy. In this connection he hoped that the newly appointed generals who are to arrive from France will be prevented from arriving as that will strengthen the pro-Vichy party.

2. He regretted the unquestionable loss of Tongking to the Japanese but he said that the United States, even if it had been possible, would have been ill-advised to have sent airplanes and munitions to Indochina as there was no guarantee that these would not have fallen into Japanese hands. Even now it might be ill-advised unless, and until, a part of the American fleet is at Singapore or in nearby waters. He stressed his opinion that there would not be a movement in Indochina contrary to the present policy until a part of the American fleet was in this area, followed by supplies of planes and munitions of war.

3. He remarked that recent developments were as follows: General conditions in Tongking are quiet but the Japanese are working to consolidate their position before making demands against other parts of Indochina, Camranh Bay and airport facilities in the South which can be used eventually against Manila and Singapore. The Japanese have prepared a puppet ruler for Annam and at the right time the present Emperor will be deposed. To facilitate this plan the Japanese are enlarging their propaganda activities in Tongking. He confirmed reports that the Japanese are again active in the Spratley Islands, possibly constructing some sort of base. He stated that the Thai question is becoming more urgent and that a Thai attack is not unexpected especially if Japanese demands are being urged at the moment. He qualified his estimate of Japanese activity in Indochina by possible British-Japanese complications as a result of the reopening of the Burma Road.

4. I believe that the official in question is somewhat over-optimistic as to the power of resistance against the Japanese even with airplanes and munitions inasmuch as the native troops are not to be trusted to any great extent and the army organization is lacking in almost every essential. There is an appreciable anti-Vichy movement but that it is capable of turning the tide in Indochina is probably only wishful thinking.

Sent to Cavite for repetition to the Department, Chungking, Peiping, Hong Kong, Canton.

Reed

18. Not printed.