851G.01/17: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 21—9:30 a.m.]
Referring to my telegram dated June 20, 11 a.m.59 The situation here appears to have improved considerably within the last 24 hours but preparations for defense are being methodically expedited.
I was informed by the Governor General late this afternoon that he intended to defend Indochina at all costs. While he expressed hope that the United States would exert influence to maintain the status guo in the Far East, he emphasized the hope that several hundred airplanes could be made available in the near future to be followed by other needed munitions of war. He suggested that these supplies might be taken from those ordered previously for France. He expressed regret that circumstances have forced the closing of this [area?] for American goods.
Sent to the Department naval radio Cavite for repetition to the Consulate [Embassy?] Chungking [and] confirmation copies Hong Kong.
- Not printed.↩