Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Indochina, Volume XIII, Part 2

120.251G/12–654: Telegram

The Chargé in Vietnam (Kidder) to the Department of State

secret

Saigon, December 6, 1954—7 p.m.

2111. Repeated information Paris 667, Vientiane, Phnom Penh unnumbered. From Collins. Re Embtel 2110 repeated Paris 666.¹ Item (2) of agenda my talks with Ely December 3 was Education and Technical Training, subject proposed by him.

1. French wish to coordinate aid for all levels education and to maintain French language and culture so that Vietnam remains connecting link between East and West.

2. For higher education hope university under Vietnam control will not become narrowly nationalistic, but conserve international character, both in teachers and subject matters.

3. Greatest immediate need to train administrators, and French propose continue this activity through Ecole Nationale de Administration at Dalat. I raised objection to Dalat since too distant for in-service training of civil servants.

4. Basic idea to permit Vietnam to put its house in order, waste no time, money or energy, consolidate what exists, reform what is bad, and create those institutions which are needed.

5. I stated no intention on part of US to displace French or French language and culture nor to superimpose American culture or language, but pointed out that with independence Vietnam must inculcate spirit of independence, nationalism and patriotic devotion. Urged them not to suppress this spirit, for if Vietnamese get idea they aren’t permitted to do things differently, French in for trouble.

6. I raised question proposed Michigan State College contract for institute and pointed out changes I had recommended. Ely expressed anxiety over plan, stating that Diem anti-French and desirous play off Americans against French. Made no pronouncement against project, but wishes have new proposals studied. I described Washington support and suggested it a mistake for French oppose too strongly.

7. I raised question Michigan State College police training program, but no objections from Ely. I stated normal USOM education program to continue and urged assistance be given youth groups.

8. Working committee to study all problems to permit coordinated effort.

Kidder

1. Telegram 2110 from Saigon, Dec. 6, summarizing the portion of the Collins–Ely discussion of Dec. 3 which dealt with economic and financial matters, is not printed. (851.05151G/12–654)