851G.01/12–2349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Thailand
704. Fr Govt has informed Emb, Paris, it intends submit Mar 8 Agreements for ratification Fr Assembly together with similar agreements concerning Laos and Cambodia before end Dec.
On assumption such ratification will take place near future, pls report what action re recognition Bao Dai regime Govt to which you accredited is likely to take.
In formulating your estimate you may, in your discretion, approach informally appropriate governmental officials. Shld you make any such approach, you shld emphasize fol:
- 1.
- There is no apparent present alternative to Bao Dai regime other than Commie domination Indochina.
- 2.
- Bao Dai regime, while far from being success at present moment, nevertheless is stronger today than was anticipated six months ago.
- 3.
- Some form recognition by South Asian nations wld be most helpful in attracting to Bao Dai true nationalists now neutral or following Commie Ho Chi Minh.
- 4.
- Widespread recognition of Bao Dai, particularly by South Asian nations, might provide effective means to continue channelization of French policy toward fulfillment of legitimate nationalist aspirations Vietnamese people.
- 5.
- Mar 8 Agreements by no means estab rigid framework for Vietnam problem, solution of which must be evolutionary with ratification by Fr Assembly as only first of many steps which shld also include clarification of Fr policies in Indochina transfer of powers to Bao Dai, announcement of timetable for further transfers, and continuing liberal attitude by Fr, particularly in interstate conferences involving Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.1
Bangkok repeat as airgram to: AmEmbassy, Rangoon, AmEmbassy, New Delhi, AmEmbassy, Manila, Am Consul, Batavia, AmEmbassy, Karachi, all for action; AmConsul, Saigon, for info.
- Repeated as airgram to London and Paris.↩