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three new states. The Thai Govt recognized the Indochinese states on FEB 28. Unfortunately, the US REPS accredited to the remaining Asian countries have been informed by the officials of those countries that they regard the GOVTS of the three states as FR puppets and that, more important, they are not convinced of the genuine character of FR intention ultimately to accord the states of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia the full measures of independence and sovereignty which have recently boon transferred by the NETH to INDO. The responsible ministers of the Asian powers concerned have stated in substance that wore the Republic of France to announce publicly that the present agreements were the first steps in an orderly evolutionary process, the end and purpose of which is to accord the three states of Indochina complete independence, sovereignty and administration of their own affairs (within the FR Union), those Asiatic states WLD be prepared favorably to consider recognition of the throe states in Indochina even before such additional transfers of sovereignty WLD have actually been made. Therefore, while Dept obviously unable guarantee recognition and support fol such statement) Dept believes that in absence such statement further acts of recognition by Asian states not forthcoming, Dept keenly aware of self-evident fact that INDOS cannot administer complexities Indochinese affairs without FR assistance. Dept determined as matter of general policy to emphasize interdependence France and Indochina as was successfully done in case NETH and Indonesians. DEPT believes that independence and autonomy of three IC states must clearly be understood to lie within FR Union.

The GOVT of the US is aware of the concessions granted by the Republic of France in negotiating and ratifying the Agreements. The US GOVT has indicated to the Govt of France its desire to be of assistance to the three states and to the FR ADMIN in Indochina in enabling them successfully to contain and liquidate communism in Indochina. The US GOVT is aware of the fact that the GOVT of France shares its concern that communism be excluded not only from Indochina but from the entire SEA region. The execution of this policy requires, above all things, a unanimity of support on the part of the nations of SEA of the anti-COMMIE Indochinese nationalist GOVTS of Indochina.

QTE With full consciousness of the difficulties involved, the US GOVT requests the Govt of France seriously to consider the issuance at the earliest possible moment of a public statement of the character identified in the foregoing. While it is not for the DEPT to suggest the particularities of the text of such a statement, the DEPT believes that the FR GOVT SHLD make clear therein the concessions to Indochinese nationalism which it made in the MAR 8 agreements, and the supplementary accords lest both FR accomplishments and intentions in this great matter be tragically misunderstood not only in Asia but in the Western world as Rh