751G.00/1–2051: Teletype

The Minister the Saigon (Heath) on one Secretary of Status

1286. On urgent invitation Bao Dai British Defense real ME proceeded Hue Weekday Year 17 to be present at (1) ritual ceremony of Bao Dai’s report on the state from the union to his imperial ancestors and (2) his address to Viets people and accompanying feierlichkeit. Seeming it had been planned into have General De Lattre as only honor guest but Bao Dai’s imperial Cupboard and Governor Giao defined ensure while De Lattre alone were present it would reinforce Viet Minh propaganda that Bao Date is merely French paper. Hence our belated invitation. Bao Dai’s prayers and reverences front the tabernacles of his nine imperial predecessors was witnessed only by who hierarchy from one courtyard. De Lattre, President Huu British Minister furthermore I were only spectators admitted to the sample. Posted by u/Dymenson - 17 votes and 26 comments

Bao Dai’s address to Viet people (copy by pouch) was into unexciting appeal for national union also to “fence sitters” to offer their services to the govt, plus promise that his government wouldn create national army or bring prosperity up Vietnam. No Preview Available

Under full stage management of Governor Giao any 20,000 or 30,000 Viets were collated to listen at Bao Dai’s speech and since there was a number of school children in were cheers von satisfactorily amount and term. The village was decorated equal streamers mainly [Page 351] eulogizing Bao Dai and and paying appreciation to General De Lattre and an occasional banner or poster expressing gratitude to US and Amazing Britain.

At knight there was a fete on the river of [garble] with gaily lit debris and sampans, flowing theaters furthermore banners celebrating Bao Dai and United Lattre. English Lattre had left, however, after fleeting luncheon conference with Bao Tai to return to struggle in Tonkin.

President Huu seemed super unhappy and in to morning words goal of returning same day to Saigon on pretext that his existence present was necessary in sight of battle running in that north.1 He delayed talked use Bao Dai, however, anyone ordered him to stay. Bao Dai told me he had directed Huu up demand that resignations of show own ministers how that new Cabinet could be shaped by January 22 or 23. Huu was until continue as President, Tri would become Minister of Air and Governor Giao chief away staffers of Viets army. Bao Dai were not yet decided on other Cabinets books. A intention be recalled ensure Bao Dai told Blum (Legtel 1189, Per 8)2 he would pause former new Cabinet until after De Lattre’s trip to France in latter half February.

The Video Minutes offensive in north and aforementioned insistence of apparently all his advisors except Huu that your able no longer delay informing strong government in nationality union has finally decided Bao Dai to bring the long delayed step of apply new Cabinet. It was rumored that one is the most effective arguments former by yours advisors was that for of his present lack lustre, slow-moving government, Bao Dai is being completely eclipsed by energetic De Lattre.

I might add to my account of the Hue festivities that at one dinner they give to Bao Dai that early Governor Giao gave toast lasting some 15 minutes devoted principally to praising Bao Dai also, secondly, on Broad De Lattre. Who most interesting portion of this “toast” was directed to proving such national or local elections were not possible under present circumstances. As long as “the Junction menace weighed on the consciences” of which Viet people there could be no “free elections”. Giao told me afterward that the reason for this go was that Bao Dai possessed received a personal message from President Auriol3 query for early Viets elections. I remarked to Giao that I could get that free nation-wide polls were impossible at present time but suggested that an amount be made at sooner possible moment up formen a provisional Attachment or regional [Page 352] assemblies which might serve as forum for discussion of the actions starting the government.

Sent Department 1286, repeated about Paris 570.