851G.01/9–849: Telegram
The Consul General at Saigon (Abbott) to the Secretary of State
284. Du Gardier informs me that attitude of SEA countries toward Bao Dai Government and reaction to recently delivered letters (mytel 271, August 271) extremely cautious with general tendency to wait action by US and GB before taking steps towards inviting good will mission or formal recognition. US and GB in turn apparently wish neighboring countries to act first thus resulting in vicious circle. He feels it will be dangerous for Bao Dai’s prestige if nothing is done on diplomatic front till November when Indians are willing to receive mission.
I agree entirely with Du Gardier and suggest that time has come for some further action on our part, particularly since helpful effect of our June 21 statement has begun to wear off. Several steps would seem worthy Department’s consideration:
- (a)
- A cordial friendly but perhaps noncommittal reply to Bao Dai’s letter.
- (b)
- Concerted action with British to persuade countries SEA promptly to establish relations with Bao Dai Government. There is some evidence (my 281, September 72) that cautious attitude of British is changing and that they now realize importance of aiding establish non-Communist Government in IC and feel Bao Dai has chance of success.
- (c)
- Since it can be argued that action suggested in (b) equivalent to abandonment of Department’s preference that support for Bao Dai come spontaneously from neighboring countries it might be preferable to take initiative ourselves in belief that SEA countries will follow our lead. First step could be intimation that we would be glad to receive good will mission from Bao Dai at some convenient time in near future.
Suggest useful preliminary would be informal approach by Embassy Paris to Quai d’Orsay since Du Gardier intimates that his government is not entirely convinced of importance of outside diplomatic support to success of Bao Dai and inclined to disregard Pignon’s recommendations in this connection.
Pouched Hanoi, repeated Paris.