851G.00/12–1949: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
167. After return Saigon Saturday Alessandri furnished British colleague and me detail latest developments frontier.
Noon 17th Nationalists surrendered to French at Dong Dang, Chi Ma totalled 24,000. Groups continue be composed remnants 97th army some units 46th. Units pursued by Communist regulars who for first time crossed into French territory where following transpired.
Small force Communists pursued surrendering Nationalists at Chi Ma past Chinese frontier guard post to frontier across “to point directly in front French frontier guard post (French and Chinese posts both placed short distances behind actual frontier)”.
There Communist captain in command met by French commander who informed him “You are, Sir, on French territory.” Captain apologized abjectly and signified intention retire. Before doing so, he requested French officer as personal favor sign attestation stating he pursued Nationalist troops very limit Chinese territory. Captain explained he wished present attestation his CO, that it would win him citation. Frenchman complied. Captain and force then withdraw orderly fashion. Not a shot fired. If there had been, Chinese would probably [Page 111] have been wiped out by force Legionnaires present. This may be factor explaining conduct Chinese.
Alessandri attaches importance incident for he believes Communist officers have strict orders not violate French territory and this first proof accuracy his convictions that effect expressed to me and reported several recent occasions.
French now look further developments frontier regions west Chi Ma remnants 14 Nationalist army known to be. How many this group will attempt cross unknown. Army believed caught by Communists, but nature engagements, retreat, casualties, defections uncertain. In any case, maximum number available following retreat Indochina estimated 20,000. Surrendered arms Chi Ma–Dong Dang transferred Langson thence Hanoi by air. Said be good quality.
French looking in question costs housing feeding refugees now being moved Damdha. Mentioned cost several million piastres heavy financial burden. Commented arms a£ least provided guaranty and French might have been justified taking custody twenty silver dols each with which majority if not all Nationalist soldiers appeared be provided. General not certain provisions this question under existing international convention and proceeding carefully.
Last groups refugees included Vietnamese members Vietnam Quoc Dandang, anti Communist Nationalists, who fled Vietnam 1945. They being disarmed, interned separately, have already signified desire join Vietnamese forces under Bao Dai.
General had discussion with Bao Dai. Described Emperor pleased with turn events and agreement Alessandri’s prognostications re expected future conduct Communists. These include passage Siam, Burma borders and possible invasion there, where General states “Their fifth columns can really achieve results and they need not face European forces or territory and enormous psychological barrier apart from military considerations.”
General qualified his discussions 16th in Saigon with Generals Willoughby and Stratemeyer1 as highly successful and reassuring. States he urged former return soon Vietnam spend at least ten days including visit Tonkin and received favorable response.
General still classifies full facts frontier developments secret, although press partially informed and official communiqué issued Saigon.
General continuing display utmost frankness relations British colleague, me. Convinced neither withholding nor distorting facts, states he wishes us be fully and accurately informed. I have impression in [Page 112] view absence Carpentier2 Paris, Alessandri has full authority act in emergency without referring higher authority.
Department pass Paris.3