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NIACT

SENT DEPARTMENT 4402, REPEATED INFORMATION GENEVA 243.

DEPARTMENT LIMIT DISTRIBUTION; GENEVA EYES ONLY UNDER SECRETARY

Re DEPTEL 4023, paragraph 2D.

I would like to propose for consideration a radically different approach to the clarification of the full independence of the Associated States, and in particular of Vietnam. The establishment of the right of withdrawal from the French Union seems to me to be a purely juridical approach, which does not go to the roots of the problem. It is also unacceptable to French opinion for a large number of reasons, among which are (1) that it throws into question the entire concept of the French Union as a union of free and independent peoples, and (2) it casts doubt on the veracity and honor of France in her recent statements that Vietnam has now been granted full independence and, subsequent to the granting of that independence, has chosen to retain membership in the French Union.

The real problem to me seems to be how to establish in US and Asian opinion the fact that the Associated States have, or will have, a similar degree of independeceindependence [sic] to that possessed by Indonesia, India, and Pakistan. I consider that the two basic treaties recently negotiated between France and Vietnam (A) granting full independence, and (B) establishing Vietnam's membership in French Union do establish this type of independence for Vietnam. However, the situation is obscured and complicated by the following factors:

1. The presence on Vietnamese soil of a largo French expeditionary corps.

2. The existence of a state of war requiring a French commander as supreme military commander in Vietnam.

3· The absence of a truly powerful Vietnamese national army. Rh 43916