851G.01/9–2449: Telegram
The Consul General at Saigon (Abbott) to the Secretary of State
303. Detailed reply Deptel 156, September 22,1 will be furnished after conversation Pignon tentatively scheduled September 26 since he apparently only person fully informed all phases present complicated [Page 81] details arising from efforts to unscramble and divide present highly centralized administration between three associated states. Certain important questions policy and principle have also arisen from fundamental contradiction of March 8 agreement which first promises full internal sovereignty and then proceeds to limit it. Most serious concerns Sûreté which Vietnam insists is integral and essential element justice administration and must be turned over with it. Disagreement also exists over organized courts to have jurisdiction over French.
Current negotiations also hampered by reservation for future conference between French and three associated states all questions concerning communications, immigration, foreign trade, customs, treasury and reconstruction and development plan. Understand consideration being given calling this conference without waiting conclusion current negotiations with Vietnam but signature Cambodian agreement (now scheduled late October) would seem essential preliminary.
If present procedure followed there seems little prospect implementation March 8 agreement by end of year as scheduled. Growing dissatisfaction over lack concrete results being exploited by both French and Vietnam opponents Bao Dai solution.
Pouched Hanoi; Department pass Paris.2