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"the Chinese people would not regard favorably the reestablishment of a monarchy in Indochina. Bao-Dai has not recently been in Nanking (REDEPTEL 1205, September 29) and FONOFF officials made oblique reference to a "French story" to that effect.
 * 1) 2096, October 18, 2 p.m., from Nanking

Embassy comment: while no direct statement was vouchsafed by FONOFF officials as to Chinese attitude toward National Union or Nguyen Hai Than, foregoing would appear to indicate FONOFF does not contemplate support of Bao-Dai who would seem to be an indispensable element in present French plans and that a dubious view, at best, is taken of National Union movement. As Dept is aware there are diverse Chinese elements interested in the Indochina situation and views given above do not purport to represent crystallized Chinese attitude. No allusion was made during interview to possible mediation by third power or powers.

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