751.93/2–2846: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received 11:12 p.m.]
394. Embassy’s 280, February 13.21 This afternoon Dr. Wang Shih-chieh, Minister for Foreign Affairs, called me to Foreign Office and said that Sino-French treaty on Indochina would be signed at 4 p.m. today. He said main points in treaty were as given to me by Vice Minister Liu Chieh on February 12.
Dr. Wang said that Chinese forces would hand over control of their area in Indochina at end of March. Chinese troops would withdraw from Indochina at end of March. Chinese troops would withdraw from Indochina during March, by sea and land, but due to difficulties of shipping and of withdrawal by land, Chinese forces would probably not be able to complete withdrawal until a short time after end of March, not later, he felt sure, than April 15.
He said that Chinese Government had informally but emphatically urged French authorities to reach a “bloodless” agreement with the Indochinese; he expressed opinion that present French Government is less intransigent than that of de Gaulle. He said that Chinese in Indochina had also urged the Indochinese to reach a “bloodless” agreement with French.
Dr. Wang said that the Chinese Government would be willing to mediate between French and Indochinese, if requested by both sides. He then asked me to ascertain the views of the Secretary of State regarding the possibility of joint Chinese-American mediation, if requested by both, French and Indochinese. He referred to the great interest which the late President Roosevelt had shown in dependent peoples, remarking that due to opposition from certain countries, the President had been unable to establish trusteeship principle for colonies of European powers. He indicated that, if US Government should agree to joint mediation, the matter of requesting such mediation could be “suggested” to the French and Indochinese. Dr. Wang commented that, as result of Chinese actions during recent months, he felt that French were convinced of Chinese good faith.
[Page 30]Dr. Wang expressed opinion that, if joint Chinese-American mediation is agreed upon, it should be undertaken during the coming month. He said that he would appreciate very much receiving the views of the Secretary of State as soon as possible.