851G.00/3–647: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
1007. French Cabinet yesterday named Emile Bollaert High Commissioner to Indochina to replace Admiral D’Argenlieu. Communiqué adds D’Argenlieu will accompany Bollaert to Indochina and transfer office there.
Baudet characterized temporary return of D’Argenlieu as compromise designed to save Admiral’s face and satisfy his supporters in Cabinet.
[Page 78]Bollaert is Career Prefect who took active part in resistance movement as representative de Gaulle: was appointed Regional Commissioned at Stuttgart and Prefect of Vosges after liberation; recently named to Council of Republic representing Rassemblement des Gauches as one of 50 members chosen by Assembly. While Bollaert is repotted to be able and energetic man, he is relatively unknown and his Appointment is obviously expedient determined by refusal of General Leclerc, General Juin and perhaps other personalities to accept post.
While no sensational developments are expected from assembly debate on Indochinese policy opening March 7, some clarification of Government policy will probably emerge. This, with appointment of Bollaert, may end status of indecision and drifting which has been apparent in recent weeks.
Department please repeat Saigon as Paris’ No. 5.