751G.00/7–2354: Telegram

The Consul at Geneva (Gowen) to the Department of State

secret

142. Repeated information Paris 134, Saigon 104. Tran Van Van called on Bonsal today. Although he represents himself as delegate of [Page 1550] Cao Dai Pope and of Commander of Binh Xuyen his closest connection appears to be Col. Trinh Minh the, former dissident Cao Daist. Van was also observer at Geneva Conference on behalf of National Salvation Front said to be composed of Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, Binh Xuyen and Catholics.

Van is bitterly anti-French. He believes nothing politically constructive can be done in Vietnam in presence of French whom he credits with Worst intentions. Nevertheless he recognizes early departure French Expeditionary Corps would leave a vacuum which Vietnam Army could not fill at present. He is most anxious for all forms of US aid.

Van states that although movements he represents are not all that might be desired, being in fact somewhat corrupt, still their armed forces are valid assets and should form basis of Maquis if needed. He is contemptuous of Catholic forces in south and of Leroy. He describes Tam and Huu as more French than the French.

Van describes Diem, Do and their associates as well meaning bourgeois devoid of the Nationalistic revolutionary fervor required by present situation. Van would like to proceed to US in order to propagate his ideas and inform American people about the situation in Vietnam. He will get in touch with Gibson Paris Embassy about his plans. Saigon’s recommendations as to how he should be handled would be appreciated.

Before embarking upon his future activities Van will spend another week here followed by a month at Vichy taking the cure.

Gowen