NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
TELEGRAM
1954 MAY 26 PM 7
TOP SECRET
Classification
| SENT TO: | Amembassy PARIS 4272 |
| RPTD INFO: | Amconsul GENEVA TOSEC 269 |
| Amembassy SAIGON 2418 |
We have given consideration (Embtel 4515, repeated Geneva 287, Saigon 542) to question of further clarification of independence of Associated States and following views should guide your discussions with French:
1. While fully aware of importance of juridical and constitutional factors in establishment of permanent and complete independence of Vietnam, it seems to me what is primarily needed now is something which will have immediate and convincing impact on world opinion and above all on Vietnamese themselves. We cannot wait for abolition of all deep-rooted abuses and extra-territorial privileges in times like these. We can, however, attempt have it made unmistakably clear that the Treaty of Independence between France an:d Vietnam represents full and unqualified commitment on part of France which will be carried out in practice.
2. Our present thinking is that in order achieve this, certain declaration and measures are required in immediate future, both by France and by other countries associated in regional grouping for collective defense. United States in addition to such appropriate statements as might be made by President at time of his going to Congress for authority to intervene, might join with other countries concerned in a formal pledge of fulfillment of full independence and
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