851G.00/8–1947: Telegram
The Consul at Saigon (Reed) to the Secretary of State
260. There has been increasing political activity in last week with each party trying create impression it has support population, all this possibly to influence attitude Paris will adopt vis-à-vis French charter for French Indochina. National Front especially active with large gatherings Hue on 10th and elsewhere while party leaders, particularly Nguyen Van Sam, are negotiating with Hoach for share in his govt, having asked for Ministries Interior and Defense. Hoach still somewhat undecided what to do re his new govt but certain he has connections with all political camps. One result this manoeuvring is acceptance on August 16 of Cochin-China front (hitherto strongly separatist) of principle of union of three Kys but still holding out for central liaison committee to deal with cultural and economic matters rather than strong central govt. This swing was anticipated in Hoach’s interview with Paris correspondent in which he spoke of federation with annual revolving presidency among three Kys and Congress dealing only with cultural and economic matters. While local Vietnam press finds Hoach’s idea of federation too narrow, it suggests signs of rapprochement between Hoach’s and his views with National Front holding middle ground. Interesting development is statement [Caodaist Pope] Pham Cong Tac,1a hitherto noncommittal re politics, in favor National Front, also return Bao Dai as constitutional monarch. Sam (see above) told me yesterday that despite growing strength his party there might have to be some compromise with Ho but Sam’s front definitely anti-Communist and would fight prevent Ho getting absolute control FIC, said front now has some 10,000 armed troops. Inter alia, new French general Boyer de la Tour, commanding in south, using these troops extensively. Sam as well as others deplore seeming ignorance in France re actual conditions in FIC, also seeming unwillingness of French [High Commissioner] to accept realities and his resentment of opinions contrary to his own. Thus, he willingly granted leave to Dufour, French Commissioner in Cochin-China, [Page 133] and replace[d] him with General Boyer as from August 16. From this welter political agitation following points stand out: (1) Ho is still Strongest figure; (2) National Front with French backing gaining some ground; (3) French exhausting all means get Bao Dai return and obviate their having to treat with Ho; (4) part National Front wants Bao Dai and constitutional monarchy but other part wants republic; (5) Hoach playing his cards to remain on but his government most embarrasing for French; (6) any idea French military operations can succeed restore prewar status or enable French dictate terms untenable; (7) all native parties united for union and independence.2
Please pass Paris.
- This Vietnamese religious sect had its holy seat at Tayninh and also had an armed force commanded by Tran Quang Vinh. Another religious sect, likewise with an armed force, was the Hoa Hao, which followed similar aims.↩
- Telegram 268, August 23, noon, from Saigon, reported the National Union Front Committee had delegated its powers to President Hoach to contact the former Emperor Bao Dai with a view to directing the nationalist movement for independence and territorial unity (851G.00/8–2347). Despatch 332, September 10, from Saigon, reported that on September 5, Bao Dai announced he wished to consult with Indochinese leaders before taking a position, and the Front delegated Nguyen Van Sam to visit Bao Dai in Hong Kong (851G.00/9–1047).↩