Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 1

851G.01/11–2149: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State

confidential

Paris, November 21, 1949—8 p. m.

4883. Baeyens¹ tells us MacDonald² informed Pignon that he was strongly recommending to London British recognition of Bao Dai government. While MacDonald believes it preferable that British recognition follow similar action by some SEA nations (he mentioned Ceylon and Siam), he does not feel that British need wait if there are signs SEA recognitions will be delayed.

Sent Department 4883; repeated London 839; Department pass Saigon 155.³

Bruce

1. Ferdinand Jacques M. G. Baeyens was in charge of Asian affairs at the French Foreign Office.
2. Malcolm MacDonald, Commissioner-General for the United Kingdom in Southeast Asia, with rank of Ambassador and headquarters at Singapore, was on a visit to Indochina.
3. This was done November 22.