851G.00/3–747: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
1031. Ramadier, at his regular weekly press conference yesterday, anticipated Assembly debate scheduled today on Indo-China by devoting entire conference to that subject. Summary of Ramadier’s [Page 79] lengthy statement indicates he first emphasized favorable development of military situation; French forces have cleared area around Hanoi, Haiphong, Hue and other centers and in central Annam have joined up with forces coming from Laos, thus cutting Vietnam in two. These successes, said Premier, have demonstrated to Vietminh they cannot impose their solution Indo-Chinese problem by force.
Indo-Chinese problem, continued Premier, had thus become primarily constitutional and political one and France had accordingly named US, [as?] High Commissioner, M. Bollaert, civilian and member of Parliament. Summarizing provisions of new constitution for organization of French union, Ramadier emphasized members of union were obligated to unite their efforts and resources for its joint defense and French Government has responsibility of coordinating these resources and directing general defense policy. Thus, French Republic will retain direction of military and diplomatic policy of French Union. Prime Minister re-emphasized this point in discussing plans for future political developments in territories of Indo-China.
After defending somewhat feebly representative character of Cochin-Chinese Government, Ramadier said French would not oppose evolution of countries of Indo-China in conformance with their national aspirations: “We see no objection to union of three Annamite countries on condition that it does not take place to the exclusive advantage of one part of these territories, which would establish its suzerainty over the others”. France would act as mediator between desires of different countries.
In conclusion Ramadier referred to Indo-Chinese federation as necessary to regulate certain common problems as, for example, currency and transport. Nevertheless such federation should not restrict interior development of each country.64
In analyzing Prime Minister’s statement it is apparent there is nothing essentially new in it. However, certain points are clarified and others are for first time given official expression. Thus Ramadier made it clear France intends to retain control of military establishment and foreign diplomatic relations not only in Indo-China but in entire French Union. Union of Cochin-China with Vietnam which has been one of fundamental points of difference in past negotiations is admitted but in federal form through which French obviously hope to retain certain special rights and privileges in rich Cochin-Chinese area where bulk of French economic interests are concentrated.
[Page 80]Idea Indo-Chinese federation should be political entity through which influence and authority of Vietnam could be restricted has apparently been abandoned in accordance with long-held views of Foreign Office. Thus another serious bone of contention between France and Vietnam may have been eliminated. Interesting to note Ramadier made no mention of referendum in Cochin-China provided for in agreement of March 6, 1946.
Finally, no attacks were made on Ho Chi-minh or other Vietminh leaders and no statements were made re what authorities French would or would not negotiate with.
Department please repeat to Saigon as Paris 7.
Sent Department as 1031, repeated London as 205.
- Telegram 95, March 18, 10 a.m., from Hanoi, reported the reaction of Ho Chi Minh as broadcast March 15. Ho regarded Ramadier’s statement that France was not opposed to Vietnam’s independence and unity as a declaration not in accord with the facts and concluded that continued war would cause losses to France and inevitable perishing of the French Union. (851G.00/3–1847)↩