851G.01/12–3149: Telegram
The Consul General at Saigon (Abbott) to the Secretary of State
475. Pass Paris.1 Pouched Hanoi. In spite hasty preparation transfer ceremony impressive and attended by crowd about 40,000 marked contrast to June 14 ceremony. Parade lasting over hour followed Emperor’s speech. Participants appeared largely peasants including some 15,000 Caodaists from Tay Ninh and surrounding area. Among banners were several carrying openly anti-Viet Minh and anti-Communist slogans.
Addresses of Pignon and Bao Dai before signature conventions were of considerable interest. High Commissioner emphasized transfer ceremony was answer to skeptics and cynics who doubted French good faith. Length of negotiations caused not by obstruction but by mutual wish for clarity and careful preparation of difficult task involved in transfer complicated government machinery.
Pignon then traced in some detail steps leading to Vietnam independence mentioning declaration of June 5, 1948 (Baie d’Along Agreement), March 8 accords and transfer sovereignty Cochin China to Vietnam. In analyzing conventions to be signed emphasized they represented conclusion process in effect since 1946 of transfer all phases government administration to local and national authorities. Referring to interestate conference “which would open in few weeks” Pignon remarked that what remained of Indo-Chinese political unity would be broken up and distributed among the individual states. He closed [Page 117] this part of speech with remark that present state of insecurity which required presence French Union troops in many areas might hide to casual observer fact that henceforth sovereignty was in Vietnam hands. This fact would appear clearly when peace returned.
“Equipped with all the attributes of state power, Vietnam will now appear on international scene”. Admission to family of nations requires fulfillment of certain conditions. Vietnam Government by its policy, both internal and external, Vietnam people, through their national unity must earn right to join family of nations. High Commissioner then referred to admission to ECAFE and to messages received from “highest spiritual and temporal authorities” as forecasting future recognition. French diplomacy using all its influence with its friends and allies. “I have reason to believe that numerous friendly governments are waiting only for French Parliament to ratify March 8 accords to take this step. I am certain this condition will be soon fulfilled, French Government having announced that it will undertake ratification procedure without delay.”
Pignon then spoke of recent grave threat of Chinese Nationalist troops entering Tonkin followed by Communist forces. This catastrophe avoided by French diplomatic action backed by French troops. This striking example of value membership in French Union and proof in this dangerous atomic age no state can live in isolation.
Tone of Bao Dai’s reply in some contrast to that of High Commissioner and indicated continued lack confidence in continuity French policy. Emphasized six months had passed before symbolic gesture of June 14 achieved practical realization. Addressed particular cordial thanks to Pignon for part in developments.
Warned developments in Vietnam must no longer be referred to as an experiment but must be considered in France and Vietnam as definitive and only policy can safeguard mutual interests. Assurance given by High Commissioner of ratification March 8 accords gives hope this view shared by French people. “It is encouraging to hear from you formal assurances that French Government will continue in this new policy”. In its support of democratic principles and respect for individual liberty Vietnam feels it has earned sympathy of concert of nations. For this reason “Vietnam state attaches great importance to international recognition which our government will endeavor to obtain with the support of the French Republic”. We will justify recognition by our unity, our labor and by clear expression of our international policy. Between two streams of ideas tending to divide world our people have the duty to choose that fitting their temperament. Because of ideals they defend great western powers are bound to guarantee our integrity and our independence. Vietnam will grant its confidence [Page 118] to the countries which offer it sincere friendship and which assure their support in defense of its rights. Basing our policy on the above principles I am confident of support from my people. “Supported externally by friendship of great democratic nations, associated with France by agreements which derive their force from loyal cooperation and progressive adaptation to modern ways of living, we will construct our independence upon a basis of fraternity and justice.” Bao Dai’s speech in Vietnamese broadcast on nationwide hookup was primarily call for unity and appeal to resistance and fence-sitters. Also made clear Vietnam sides with democratic powers in world ideological struggle and called for diplomatic recognition and moral and material assistance from them.
After praising work of Accord Committee which had negotiated agreements in accord both with interests aspirations of people and with practical reality, and warning against impotence in spirit narrow nationalism, Emperor said real as opposed theoretical independence depended on efforts and unity entire nation. International recognition which Vietnam sought must be earned. Ideal of individual freedom defended by democratic great powers coincided with Vietnamese tradition and way of life. We will maintain close relations with them and neutral attitude towards other nations. Bao Dai then issued call to all who had struggled for independence and appeal “to those misled by false propaganda to return to right way. Government will defend welfare of all regardless of party or belief if they return to united national family.”
Speech closed with hope that message going out over new purely Vietnam radio would reach not only 20,000,000 fellow citizens but cross frontiers as voice of powerful nation determined to preserve independence, respect principles of individual freedom and work for world peace.
- This was done on January 1, 1950.↩