FAR EAST FACIFIC BRANCH

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 98
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 28, 2001
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: July 1, 1949
• Content Type: IM

e classification & release instructions on file
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A00.060.0020001-9
IN
 MMATAMMO
The Lloscow radio and press and Soviet-controlled radio stations
have referred to Ho as a Communist. Ho himself, has not attempted to
make this point clear nor is there any evidence available which would
completely prove this point one way or the other. However, Moscow's
adoption of Ho as a Communist and the fact that the key positions in
his goverment are occupied by avowed or known Communists argue for
CIA's present assumption that Ho also is a Communist.
 9190991 MIS Le
? i TS Soviet Far East Service, ?. Khabarovsk, in Korean to Korea,
15 June 1949 - excerpt.
"The democratic Government of the Republic of Viet Nam, headed by Ho Chi
Minh, leader of the people and member of the Communist Party, has been very
successful in ? the country ? democratic
 Korea
11 to ? Soviet Service
in Korean,$ 17 June 1948 summary
77eekl,y Survey, Vol. 1, No. 50, 25 June ? p. H5
"The capabilities of General Xuan are weighted in the balance with those
of Ho Chi T,.tLnh and found wanting. It is pointed out that . reccgnized
even by 73illiam. Bullitt as a man of ability. r
December 1947 is quoted) Ho is proof of the general rule that #only from'
among Communists come the most thorough fighting men.? The Ho Government
diversity is nraised for the opinion the solidarity
of its hostility toward the -
 ORE
1 July 1949
Source: FBTB, Soviet Far Fast Service, from Moscow, in Japanese, to Jepan,
23 June 1948 -.exrerpt from commentary of Gremlin - Daily Report,
Section Y339-48 PCC-3
"The French authorities call the Viet Namese Peoplets Government, headed
? ? government inclined ? ? Communist. The French authorities
are planning to destroy the Ho Chi Idnh Government by taking advantage of the
world-wide anti-Communist movement.
"However ? Chi 11-inhis - _ 1- People's Government - ??? -? by all
patriots, including democrats, socialists, nationalists, Christians, Buddhists,
Communists., and others . ...... Ho Chi Ifinh., who is respected by the Viet Namese
masses, is the ? Communist (representative) the ?
 HEM
M
0
M
DAILY OV~ORKER, 29 June 1949, Ney York - article by Joseph Starobin -- extract:
Indochina, "Among the 21 million people of leading united front,, the - _.
almost four years has been the revolutionary by the Commu4dst leadeyp Ho Chi Minh."
 AO _
DB 4975; 16 July 1947
Origin: Canton
Canton Comment to Para 1: One of the greatest puzzles in regard to Indochina is;
"How Communist is Ho Chi Minh and to what extent does he follow Moscovils orders "
Various sources differ radically on point. this French, Vietnam Nationalist, and
most Chinese Nationalist sources take it for granted that Ho is privately just as
Communist as ever; but these sources have so far failed to produce concrete
evidence to that effect. Pro-Vietminh sources, however, maintain that Ho has
abandoned his ?ui, ism. . neutral invites journa - and observers
to inspect
for themselves. Even CHANG Fa-ktuei that he has become convinc,,d that Ho
states
logic, is no longer much of a CommunIst and certainly does not follow Yoscow's orders.
The however.-remains: once a man has ?: through Moscow training and
has acted for a lengthy period as an agent of Moscow, there are only two possible
sources -- either a clear and public renunciation of Communism la Krivetsky., which
Ho has not made, or continuance of Moscow-directed activities).
Canton Comment to kara 2: Ho is constantly trying to a)nvince the outside world
of his non-Communism, but has so far refused to commit himself to a definite and
open renunciation of Communism. Conseqq ently, except for duly authorized
official pronouncements., minor officials find it safer to avoid the subject),
 Re AO
Source: FDBq Indochinese ?rose Extracts No 6/49 dated 24 Mar 1949
Saigon,, L'Union Francaise, daily French language newspaper,
29 Dec 190-
f
Page 31 - 32
the fact that it is The Ho Chi Minh Government makes a.Voint of strongly denying
Communist for it knows such a label ? ? alienate
certain Western countries whose sympathies it wishea to retain, On
11 November 1945# 3 months after coming to power,, the government of
"Democratic the Republic of Viet 11 ? ? declared that the
Indochinese Communist Party had dissolved of its own accord,
Thia dissolution was a mere propaganda maneuver* Vietnamese
Communists merely ?? cover. L1- congress of the
Indochinese Communist held in the ? of Viet Nam, A
photograph taken there ? man known to ? : Communist partisans of
long standing. The words "Cong San Dong Duong":(Indochinese Communist
Party) appear on the banner. The hammer and sickle appears on the
flag with the Viet Minh star,
The Ho Chi Minh Government does not ignore the existence of
the Party* On the contrary., a few of the more recent events will prove
that there are Vietnamese Communists in the ranks of the Viet Minh who
influence the acts of the rebel government*
A recent circular ordered all echelons of the nation to
celebrate the USSRs October Revolution* On this oocasionq Viet Minh
propagandists were to make aparallel between that revolution and the
present fight against the French. Among the slogans to be used weres
"Complete support to the USSR,," "Long Live the success of the October
Revolution," "Long live the victory of the antifascist Democratic
?
A sort of camouflage was still maintained,, however; only
the official circles of the 4Association for the Study of Marxism"
could organize public demonstrations, In Viet Minh circles., members
already known as "former Communists" could celebrate the October
Revolution "privately."
The following circular was distributed in October to all ranks
of the Viet Minh administrative machinet *The Government of the
Demooratic Republic of Viet Nam regrets to announce that Zhdanov,
Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party and member of the Current
Affairs Committee of the ?If ? ? on 31 August 1948o" 1
Viet Minh was to organize a ceremony in honor of "Comrade ZhdanoveW
 Another circular indicates the recent attitude toward the
US, It was addressed to all the "comrades" of the Viet Minh: *We
are faced with a situation which forces us to instigate against the
profound US a and extended movement which-will reach all levels of
the massese As for those who propagandize in favor of the US, arrest
them immediately* Accuse them of espionage to the profit of the
enemy . never speak of the US)90
Quantities of such documents into the hands of the
authorities French daily* r know., without admitting
its that they can fool no one* They are no longer
trouble to disguise their doctrine,. international ?-11 II
Editorial
 M
tha bounds of Viet Nam in their program# which they went elsewhere to
get,, in their international 4mmne"ianva connections, and in their
field of action. Indeedv the conflict which is devastating the
country has changed in meaning; or,, rather., as its disguise had
gradual.ly been stripped away,, its true meaning is now revealed*
The present conflict, which is part of a plan of world-
wide upheaval could not have as its goal the independence and unity
?
cant, to those responsible for the pursuit of a combat that ruins its
inhabitants., darkens its economic future,, and shatters the most
framework ? Vietnamese societyO In this tragic undertaking.,
sacred
the Vietnamese are merely an instrument in the service of a cause
which is ,not their own* Their country is not an . but a means which
is being abused: it is a battlefield chosen by those forces which, all
? dissimulation, have resolved
over the w ld and always under cover in the nam of a partisan ideology to annihilate the defenders of order,,
sound ? traditions, and that most precious of all blessings,
individual I'-
 F]
Source: FDB# Rpt No dated 9 jun 3,949
Saigon, Le populal e dlindochine, daily French lang-1998
newspaPeF. 1-3 may 1949
(excerpts
page 2
"Ho Chi Minh's Commist allegiance renders him utterly
Unacceptable for inclusion in any loyal nationalist government., and
he must not be so honored.", - Louis Vaucelle
 Sourcet FDB* Rpt No dated 13 May 1949
? e - ? Orient,, daily French lan
newspap5r. 15 Apr 1949
Jacques Chegaz7 gives a first-4umd account of the results of
the Viet Minh scorchedwearth policy in Son Tay* He reportst
*This .systmatic destruction place occupied by the Viet Minh,, -who an agents of a foreign ideology,, are
wholly indifferent to the sufferings they inflict on the Vietnamese
 Sources FDBP Rpt No dated 15 Apr 1949
Saigon,, L'Union Francaus, daily French language newspaper$j
report)
page 1
Radio Viet Minh has announced that the Lion Hiep Quoc Gia Viet
Nam (Vietnamese Popular Rally) has merged with the Viet Minh to 'unify
aU Vietnamese parties participating in Viet Namts armed resistancee"
The announced merger., with its implication of the dissolution
of the Viet Minh front.. is apparently designed to conceal the Viet Minh's
Communist aspect and to make it appear that the amed resistance is the
work, not of a single partyp but of a national fronte
 do Is a Communiz2
Sources I): Rpt No
Paris,, Horizon Vietnamien,, weekly French language newspaper,,
21 May 1949
?
? _
To give Communist s Chi Minh a ? the Goverment will
not ? Nam; it will amount to choosing .III 1 d ? can
have no place in a Vietnamese goverment must join Western
democracy Communism, ?
 ? now a Comunist
ar, Material support from Chinese Communists
Source& ?B ? / No
Hong Kong,, Hein-sheng Wa daily Chinese language newspaper#
23 7 ? ?
page 1
Ho Chi Minh, Comunist leader of anti=French forces in Viet
Na% has stated that the struggle against the French has entered the
third and final stage. He added that any rumors that his forces were
and Russian Comunists were
receiving material aid from the Chinese pure fabrications of French colonial die-hardse
? suspect Communist ?
from their base in Hai-nan., are already aiding Hoe It is only 15
hours by junk across the Gulf of Tonkin to Indochina, Moreover.,
except for a portion of Kwangsi, the Chinese territory bordering on
Indochina is already a CCF stronghold, While there are numerous
armed KUT guerrillas in Kwangtung and Kwangsi who are opposed to
the Ho Government,, cooperation between Viet Minh partisans and CCF
in this area is highly possible,
 OEM
Sources DFDB,, Rpt No dated 26 May 1949
Saigon, LIU . nion Francaiae., daily French language newspaperI,
6 (ful.1 report)
page 1
Paris - LIEpoque has published a statement made by a "nationalist
rebistance fighterW--to the paper's special correspondent in Indochina,
Bernard Barrages, regarding the possibilities of the withdrawal of
nationalist elements from the Vi A Minh forces* The unidentified
informant is quoted as statings "Now that Bao Dai has won independence,
we nationalists have m further cause for remaining in the resistance
together with the Communists@ We should leave, but that is almost
impossible* Maybe luck wil.1 helpe However., let us not delude ourselves*
Not more than 10 percent., at mostv of the resistance forces will be
able to break away*"
 M
NKow far No Chi Minh today represents nationalist :interests in
InAochina, and how far he follows the orders of an outside power Is one of the
most discussed .qaestions In South Asiatic politics. .. never .:
instruction denied that he formerly was a Commnist and that he received his political
schools. in one of the Moscow Comintern But returning to his
native declared: was .? .? no longer .,..
,,, nothing now a member of the Vietnamese family and
 A0.
Source: SD T-70, Saigon,, March 19, 1949. SD Control #7373.
Mr. Vang, Minister of Agriculture in the Xuan governmentl declared,
during a recent discussion with French officials and the US Consul Gener
in Saigon on the possibility of the propeed Bao Dai Governmenil 9 army
replacing rrench armed forces, that (to quote from Consul General Abbott
telegram) "No Chi Minh prepared make patriotic gesture exiling himself
in Comunist China. Remaining ? ? ? around ! : ? could then
be 'liquidated." I
 . . . i11ii .
Source: New ? Times, '' dateline: 1r.. J
i f . Minh, ? 1 referred to as a Communist, was asked ffn writing
by'United whether Pres3s he favored Communism ? had been Commist.
young.' ? replied, studied Buddhism, Confucianism,
Obrieftiamity, uI There's something in each doctrine
Asked if his government had received material aid from Communists in
China and Russia, he replied:
 Bourcet FDBv Rpt No dated 24 may 1949
Saigon,, Le Journal d'Extrems Orientp.daily French langu&ge
newspaper, 3 MW U949
page 1
"It in not true that the Viet Minh has sole claim to patriotic
motives, w 4m&-m&"9-A--"WhiIe there are nationalists within its camp,, there
are also nationalists on the other sideo The Viet Minh nationalists are
dominated by a Comunist f under the guise of national
defermeq is pursuing an international'. or rather, Soviet-inatigated
revolutionary scheme* A split between the two groupe is by no means
 IM
source: SD T-2-65. Spigon, December 13, 1949. SD Control #4257
editor of Union Francaise, organ French
? ? - _ agree-
.ment DefendinF old- Argument ths.t to -?? a war
one must treat with the enemy, he argues alternative is complete
destruction of enemy as of Hitler, Latter appears difficult, if
r ? 1' ?
not im-nossible, case Ho. 'What 7,ood is a trea.ty with ? and must maintain ? expedi-
tionary ? to be faced by French
? ?
wers
?
? any mention
but not Ho.1 AstonishinE, feature article is Oo-miiw-iist problem by writer who in -past has fulminated almost
daily this ? ? ?
well-informed journaiists is belief
Chinese
local business intercst that ? power -?
Conununist Army out of ? ? Thus Lwiiediate
Indochina
?
 MR
L~n
MI
a. Is 0. Communist
Source: Air L'ail No. 100, SaL--on, July ~, 1948
... The Sai.,-:on Socialists (of whom Louis Oanut is one of tlie
leaders) hpve not aup-ndoned. their symDathies for ho yhi viinh -and
includ-ed in their resolu~ion: (1) A lstriki,-..-- homn,----el to 1+011aert
'for hpving risked unoonularity throuCh trying, by all means Dossible,
to establish contact 1xith President Ho Chi ;~Anh,' (2) a demand that
negotipttions oe conducted between France and the I.-uthentic repre-
sentatives of the Vietnpm, -oprticularly those of the resistance,'
(3) an offer to -resident -Ho Chi i-'inh to sct -s medintors with the
Hia,h Commissioner anri the French Government for an srmistice or
truce."
 Sources FBIB D. Report, Dispatch in English Mor" from Viet No= Station VNA2 (Viet Minh)#
May 3.60 19490 s0 A.M., ESTr-R
(Editorial Roundup)
... r ?? Goverment is far ?? strongly entrenched* i?
is a Communist but thanks to the Itupidity of French colonial policy he and
his goverment are regarded by his people-he is reputed to control 18 million
Viet Namese-as the repository of 200*ee e He in idolized in Viet Nam and
non-Communists and nationalists look to his Goverment for salvationew
ORE
Comnents It is perhaps sigaifioant that the Viet Minh radio was permitted
to broadcast aMegations that Ho in a Communist, contained in a Chinese
midd3o-of-the-road Malay paper*
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 ORE,
30 June 1949
- Attache., NANKING., China
dated 24 March 1947 on the subject of: 1111HOIS 'NHO PMSONAT-TTIJM IN
Here is a personal description of Ho Chi Minh by a high French official
who on many occasions during Franc o-Vietnamese relations talked "several times a
dair" with the Vietminh party president:
"Ile is a very attractive and difficult personality. He is most in-
telligent and possessed of a broad spirit. While he has been a
nolitical party chief, I do not think he has ever been chief of
a government. There is no one chief of the Vietnam Government
but several members - as in Russia. I do not think Ho has ever
been a free man. Ile is a very good propagandist - in many ways
a genius in this respect. In his real mind he may be a conspirator
- lie has lived a long time in China and Siam. He is very cunning
and a first class actor. I believe that while No has always had
the same desire as other members of the Darty - total independence
wid the destruction of France's position in Indochina - he is
more moderate."
 State, DIA declassification & release instructions on file
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 Source: Despatch No. 6166 of September 16., 1946, from the American Consulate
at Paris., on the subject of: 1111o Chi-mini'
s reported in my despatch No. 6131,, he denied that he is a Communist,
.~hether lie is or not-, T do not know., although the French in general ccntend that he
definitely is a Communist. He told me that he had at one time studied Marxism
but that he is not a Tfoscow fellovr-traveler.
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 Foreign Service Report #1
Report on Origin of Viet TAinh League (rrepared by James L. O'Sullivan)
!io promptly established on September 2nd, 1945, a provisiGnal government
largely composed of members of the Viet Minh League, who were also associated
with the Coujnuniat Party.
During 1944 the Dan Chu Dang, or Democratic Party., was forled. -Lhere is
reason to believe that it was inspired by no Chi Minh to capttre the intellectuals
the moderates, and the middle class, particularly the Catholics, who would have
a hard time aligning themselves with a group which was aftittedly ?
The history of its leaders since the party's founding indicates that the most
important ones have a high personal regard ? ? Chi Minh and probably
no circumstances would oppose him on any fundamental issue.
The Dan Deng was no sooner ? ?_? than it entered the Viet Minh Front
where it remains to this I. ? s o m e been toward an entity of its own. This is probably another effort to catch the
FOatholic block probably ? ? break government to which it was actively
opposed.
With the Chinese troops in occupation of Indochina and a civil war brewing
in northern China, Ho apparently decided theword Communist was extremely unpopular
Therefore, on Nover ber 30, 1940)~ the Dong Duong Gong San Dang dissolved itself.
Its members were distributed among the various leagues and parties which formed
the Viet Minh Front. '~'ince that date, the Communist Party as such has not functioned
openly in Indochina.
 "e
OffiER91M
1710170~~~
This file search has revealed no intelligence report that 110 Chi 113-nh
has been in direct contact with the Soviet Union during the period 1945-49.
No intelligence report is available which confirms any direct contact with
the Soviet Union by any Vietnamese associated with Ho. There is no evidence
as yet that Ho is receiving current directives either from Moscow, China or
the Soviet Legation in Bangkok. CIA takes the view that Moscow current4
has decided that as long as the situation in Indochina remains favorable
from its standpoint that it will remain completely circumspect in its
contact with the area.
 H
Sourcet D: Indochinese Press Ebctract No 3/49 dated 31 Jan 1949
Saigon,, Le Journal d'Extr*me Uri daily French language
news pa~eW77-5-ec-7119-43
(full report)
page 7
that
Hanoi--mThs Ho Chi Minh government radio has announced
TrAn Van Giau, who reportedly directed the Ho Chi Minh delegation in
Bangkok until recently, has returned to Tonkin, According to rumors
circulating in Hanoi, Giau made a trip to Moscow and after his stay
in the Soviet capital he returned to Tonkin,, where he attended a
meeting.recently organized by the Vietnamese Communist Party.
 H
Source: Extract ? Vespatch ? ? ? i the u Consulate General at
Saigon, Indochina, on the subject ? "Soviet Policy in Southeast Asia"
dated November 5, 1948.
Communist
The ? Vietminh ? - adopted the violent An-
line followed by most Coamunist parties throughout the world, although there
are many indications that this is only on the surface and that the standard
anti-American line is being distributed in directives to party leaders. No
evidence turned has yet ? that ? directives
Chi Minh is receiving current either from Moscow., China, or the Soviet Legation in Bangkok. It may be
asswrned that Moscow feels that Ho and his lieutenants have had sufficient
training and experience and are sufficiently loyal to be trusted to determine
their da3r6-to-day policy without supervision.
 M
c. Contact with the Chinese Communist Party
search has _ revealed no intelligence which confirms any
This
high level direct contact between Ho Chi MLnh and Chinese Communists.
working
.-- some
There is enough evidence to assume that there have
level contacts between Vietnamese Communists and Chinese Communists.,
Sino-Tonkinese border regions. There has been no
particularly in the agreement between _.
of the mutual assistance _.
in June of 1948.
which is alleged to have been
 Source: isIndochinese Saigon., Le Journal d'Ebctreme Orient., daily French language
news ? i 1' ? i
(full report)
page 7
"The question as to whether a treaty has been signed between
f Chi Minh and ? Tse-tung has been much discussed,,
agreed discussion is quite futile, Whether a paper agreement outlining
obligations and guarantees has been signed by the two leaders or not
i+f little importance* 'What does count is that the two men are
factually ? . common ideal dream ? domination and
hatred can be called an Hidoal,ft~
*One need only listen to the Viet Minh radio to discern this
?Commist
clearly, One hears such statements ast ",,* the Chinese forces will reach the Tonkinese frontier., where they will make
liaison with the armies of Ho Chi Minh* Then we will no longer need
to be 'protected' by the French troops, which we will drive out,.*"
After such declarations,, it would be naive to believe that one can
negotiate with Ho Chi Minh without first coding to him all of Viet
:Ili :.l Indochina,, and soon other countries ? South-
east destruction, Such is the dream which Ho Chi Minh and his Rally" Mao
Tse-tung propose to realize together," - Editorial
 New York Herald Tribune., 10 Fab 49
Bangkok., Siam.. Feb. 9 (AP)---President Ho Chi Minh of the Vietnam Republic of
Indochina denied today he had entered a secret agreement with Chinese Communist
report, published in England and of this
leader Mao Tse-tung. -He said the _ "proves
intending
document the colonialists are in a state of jitters and are false countries' brink of failure."
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 3- Contact with Chinese Communists
5, Material support from Chinese Communists
Source: FDB# Rpt No dated 28 Apr 1949
.Saigon.0 Journal ? .7S I_ Orient, daily French ]Anguage
nGMp8~w-,-l--TP-r 1949
?
page 2
?
in Tonkin, Minister ? Defense Ramadier declared in the French ?
Assembly that there was nothing particularly now or alarming in the
recent incidents along the Tonkin-China border* 'While admitting the
? betwedn Viet Minh and Chinese Commmist
possibility of a leaders., Ramadier declared that there was no evidence of intervention
by the Chinese Communist Army and that the Communist's referred to in
the reports _ Chinese Communist bands*
 ? contact with Chinese Communists
Moral support li Chinese Communists
Sourcet FDBJ, Report No dated 12 May 1949
Saigon, Annamese and Chinese Press Review,, daily French
language bulletin of the B u do la Presse at, do
l'Information Commissariat do la Republique Francaise
or, Cochinchine., 8 Apr 1949
(full report)
page
There has been a change of policy regarding the Chinese
?Commmist menace in Indochina both on the ?_ of the French Government
and the pro-Communist Vietnamese,, claims the semiweekly Duoc Viet of
6 April 1949a The writer states that the prowConmunist faction
Indochina ? openly ? ? ? - the Chinese Communists,
victories as an anti~-Bao Dai propaganda weapon and also as a boost to
their ? morale* ? - explains the French ? - 11 - -
to 1 Minh of collusion with the
recent reluctance Chinese Communists ? should denounce
this alliance,, they would reveal themselves an being unable to cope
with the situation in Viet Nam, just at the time when France is
preparing to bring the - 11 problem to the attention of the
member
 Sourcet FMv Rpt No dated 18 May 1949
? Annamese and daily Chinese Press Review,, language ul. etin of the Bureau do la Presse et de
Cochinchine, 15-22 Apr 1949
(Full report)
page 2
The Viet Minh,, completely outdone by Bao Dai's successes in the
8 March Agreement,, has retaliated with desperate endeavors to discredit
the former Emperor.. writes the Phuc ITC., of 22 April 1949,6
puppet, replies that this "puppet% has not allowed himself to be
controlled by Mao Tse-tung., but has achieved effective national
independence, and therefore merits respect*
 3- Direct contact with Chinese Communists
language Sources FDBP RPt No dated 24 May 1949
newspapers,
Saigon, L'Echo du Viet flamt daily French 27 Apr 4T--
The French newspaper -
"Although the open alliance between Ho Chi Minh and the Chinese
Comunists may make for greater difficulties in Tonkin., it may also
serve to rouse Vietnamese patriotism# since China is Viet Nam's
traditional enemy*",
L'Aurore-France Libre writes in the same vein,, asserting that
Ho Chi 111:11. ~hts 'willingness to accept support from the Chinese was apt
to allenate the sympathies of the Vietnamese people* "Instinctively,
the representative of the Nguyen dynasty,.oand
the people will turn to
at the same time they will turn once more towpxd France**
 This file search has revealed no intelligence report which indicates
that the Ho Chi IkLnh government is receiving or has recently received
material support from the Soviet Union. (he report, an extract of
which is -. alleges - technicians . Russian nationality
have .been working in great secrecy for the Ho Chi 1.4inh government.
has .been no confirmation of this report.
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 UMMEMEM
e. Material Support frcm the Chinese Communists
. This file search has revealed no intelligence which confirms that
material assistance is being or has been received by the Ho Government
from the.Chinese Communists on any extensive scale. Some Chinese Coimunist
influence has been evident in bandit and guerrilla groups who have been
:Lnvolved in arms traffic and sane fighting along the northern borders of
Indochina. CIA believed that evidence of material support from the Chinese
Communists will not be fortheaning until a Communist military consolidation
in China reveils the strength which can be made available for areas outside
of China,
 New York Herald Tribune, 12 June 191+9 (By Wireless to the Herald Tribune)
Kunming, Yunan Frovincey Southwest China, June Ili-The revolutionary movements
in French Indochina and Burma have so far received very little direct aid from
the Chinese Communists, according to available information here.
Communist guerrillas operating in Chinese border districts probably have
occasional contacts with their ideological brethren across the frontier, but
they are themselves too short of supplies to be of much hblp. Although there
is some smuggling both 1-ays between China and, Indochina~ it is on an unimportant
FBIB - China Transmitters., 14 June 191+9
The IVAH KIT YAT PO of Hong Kong is reported on June 14 to have quoted a well-
informed Canton source as say'ng the Uom-nmnist High Con-nand had ordered the
earliest possible attack on the southern provinces of Kwantung and Kwangsi,
with a view to make a quick junction with Ho Chi Minh's pro-Communist Vietnam
forces in Indochiba.
?
The press s,rvice of the commander of French forces in the Far East reportst
"Tonkin--- (extract) "As regards the situation in Mocay, we are now in a position
to state that the attack was carried out by a detachment of approximately 600
men who sip: from China., ? _ ? Communist elements belonging to the
group of Lao To-chang., assistant to the Commander of the Rh Regiment of the
Kwangtung L4beration Army, supported by Viet Minh troops who openly declared
themselves to . ?u
 5* Material support from Chinese ^Communists
Contact Communists
? Support ? q other ? ? Communist Parties ? organizations.
Sourcet D,i ? ? No 285/49 dated 18 May 1949
Saigons American Consulate General despatch No 218 of 21 Dee 1948g,
copy., in French., of questionaire concerning Chinese Communist
problem in Indochina,, submitted by AP correspondent Clementin
to the Diplomatic Councillor to the High Commissioner ? Indochina
and the replies of the latter*
?
?
ZWhat information do you hav2O on possible cooperation between
the Chinese Communists and the Viet Minh resistance organizations
(supply of arms, foods and medicines)?
There is cooperation within the Federation between Chinese
Comunist Party and Viet Minh organizations* The gaps Ziln French
controj7 along the borders,, both land and coastal, faci1itate the move-
ment of envoys, liaison agents, and missions which are sent by the rebels
into the neighboring countries and-which do not meet with much opposition
from the South China frontier authorities4, The same remark holds true
with respect to the Chinese Communists who come from China into the
zones occupied by the Viet Minh., where politico-military training
1 m- - executive ? 1111! - and relief committees
to f Chinese immigrants are in operation, Agreements have been
reached between the Chinese Communist and Viet Minh leaders for the
recruitment of Chinese to serve in the Viet Minh armed forces.
The rebel organizations are supplied with munitions., food,
medical supplies., and technical equipment of all kinds from across
the Sino--Tonkinese border or from the Chinese ports., from which vessels
sail to the.coasts of Tonkin or Annami Some contraband also comes in
from Siam and Burmae
In June 1948 an agreement was concluded in Siam between
representatives of the Chinese Communist Party and the Viet Minhs
according to the terms of which, the contracting parties promised
mutual assistance in the goal of realizing the emancipation of the
peoples of Asia and South East Asia.
Towards ends the Chinese Communist Party pledged: to
furnish arms to the Viet Minh partyj to transport these arms into
Indochina in exchange for rice, opium, gold., etc... On the military
levels dispatching of representatives was provided for and facilities
were to be accorded by the signatory parties, to Viet Minh and Communist
officers in the respectively con-~rolled zones in Indochina and Chir2a&
Information services were to be established on both sides*
Indications given in the preceding paragraphs show that the
1 of the agreement been carried out* Numerous and
obversations have confirmed this during the second half /of 19487.
 ?
30 June 1949
Extract from: A -11 from .. A-63p December 20v 1948; Control 2011
Chinese Local French newspaper, LtEntente, published on December 16th, 1948, what
is purported to be the main outline of a treaty signed in June 1948 between
Ho Chi Minh, President of the Vi-tnamese (Viet Minh) Government and Mao Tse Tung,
Communist leader. Minh
Giap, Commander of the Viet Minh Revolutionary army., on behalf of the Ho Chi Government and Lam Ting on behalf of the Chinese Communists.
The source of the article is admitted to be the Parisian newspaper OClimats".
devoted principally to colonial affairs,, in its issue ofDecember 8th.
Official end private reaction to the news has been one of complete skeptiefs--m-e
 Source: Enclosure No. 1 to Despatch No. 218 of December 21., 1948., from the
American Consulate General at Saigon, Indochina., on the subject of:
"Communism Community In Indochina"
(Enclosure No. 1 consists of a questionnaire submitted by the local
representative of the Associated Press, Monsieur CLEIENTIN., to the
Diplomatic Councilor to the High Commissioner and the replies of the
5. Z0_lhat information do you hav:eZ on possible cooperation between the
Chinese Communists and the Viet Minh resistance organizations (supply of arms,
??? and ?
Communist There is cooperation within the Federation between Chinese Party
and - hUnh organizations. The gaps fan French ? ? ? the borders,
both land and coastal., facilitate the movement of envoys., liaison agents, and
missions which are sent by the rebels into the neighboring countries and which
do not meet with much opposition from the South China frontier authorities. The
same remark holds true with respect to the Chinese Communists who come from, China
into the zones occupied by the Viet Minh, where politico-military training cen-
ters., Sino-Vietnamese executive committees, and relief committees to aid Chinese
immigrants are in operation. Agreements have been reached between the Chinese
Comm.unist and Viet ~Unh leaders for the recruitment of Chinese to serve in the
Viet 1 armed forces.
The rebel organizations are supplied with munitions., food., medical supplies.,
and technical equipment of all kinds from across the Sino-Tonkinese border or from
the Chinese ports, fran which vessels sai-I to the coasts of Tonkin or Annam. Some
contraband also comes in from Siam and Burma.
8. ooe*In June 190, an agreement was concluded in Siam between representa-
tives of the Chinese Communist Party and the Viet Minh, according to the terms of
which, the contracting parties promised mutual assistance in the goal of realizing
the emancipation of the peoples of Asia and South East Asia.
Towards that end, the Chinese Communist Party pledged: to furnish arms to the
Viet Minh Party; to transport these arms into Indochina in exchange for rice, Opium,
gold, etc... On the military level, dispatching of representatives was provided
for and facilities were to be accorded by the signatory parties, to Viet Llinh and
Communist officers in the respectively control-led zones in Indochina and China.
Information services were to be established on both sides.
 Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
 H
M
FBIB-R B48 RESTRICTED
FZR4 SAIGON AFP IN FRENCH MORSE TO SOUTHEAST ASIA 0630 3131
(TEXT) SAIGON -- The "High Command of the Vietnamese Resistance Forces" confirms
over the Viet Minh badio that Hthe first elements of Chinese Liberation Forces
have lately displayed lively activity on the Sino-Vietnamese Frontier.," and
emphasizes the "important support which the 4iettnamese forces gained from this
T~is statement is the first official acknowledgement of collaboration between
the Viet Minh forces and the Chinese Communists.
Paris.. AFP Radioteletype in French to New York,, Apr. 1., 1949, 1:40 P.m, EST-W
Extract
'? ?.? x.1..:1?-?.g7...if - . 1-.1'f i ~? /..~:f:f:l..-'F.?.~1"~ :t.i.. .?:a.f.11:1. -... .1... 1:-....:..'1 .? ?:. 7.?:1:?
"Moreover, the radio post 7-Th-e--'-Vo-i-;;-o-f--V-i-e-t--N-a-mpI which is reportedly situated
in the region of Vinh, announces that lHo Chi Minh and Gen. Giap categorically
deny the affirmations of French propaganda which is trying to make believe th;t
Sino-Viet Namese elements are fighting at the frontiers of China.t IThe successes
won in this region.' this radio states., 'are due solely to the 4iet Namese resis"
 support 5o Material from Chinese Communists
8e Moral support from other world Communist organizations
Sources FDB,, Rpt No dated 28 Apr 49
Saigon,, Journal . E- L 1. ? daily French
newspaper-, 26 Mar 1949
(full report)
page I
The General Staff of the French Forces in the F&r East reports
an increase in Viet Minh military activity along the Tonkin-Chinese
border during the first 2 weeks of March, Numerous attacks have been
made on French military posts north of Lang Son and east of Lao Kays
Bands of Chinese Communists are aiding the Viet Minh in these attacks,,
which, the General Staff reports., are being successfully countered by
French forces&
Accounts of these attacks have been greatly exaggerated in
the left-wing French newspapers., such as Combat. Franc Tireur,, and
t1'Humanitee
 5. Material support froiz Chinese Communists
Saigon,, LtEoho du Viet Nam., daily French language newspaper.,
? ?
(full report)
page
Gen Chevance Bertin.9 writing in the 31 March 1949 issue of
the Paris paper,* Carrefour, under the heading,, "France Has Lost Three
Years Dealing WitF -HoChi Wmh,- The Indochinese Problem Is Now A
Military Question,," states in conclusiont.
"He Chi Minh has thrown away his mask by enlisting the aid
of traditional enemies of his native land, This will finally open
the eyes of those in France and in other countries who did not wish
to see the-menace to Western civilization in the Far Easte We must
not forsake the cause of free peoplee It in one's duty to fulfill
one's obligations* Complete abandonment of Indochina would be
tantamount to treason and ? ? endanger existence of the
French Union**
 5* Material support from Chinese Communists
Sourcet FDB.* Rpt No dated 28 Apr 1949
newspaper,9731 Mar-1910
?
Communique issued by the Information Service of the French
Forces in the Far Easts:
*Tonkin - Aided from within,, Chinese Communists succeeded
in entering the border town of Mon Cay on 27 March. Garrison forces,
consisting chiefly of Nung riflemen., were able to hold the citadelt
in which women and children took Casualties about 30 killed and an equal number wounded,
 support from Chinese Communists
.0 Material
? ? is ?? No dated 3 may 1949
issued Saigon., Le Journal d'Extreme Crientp daily French language
newspaper Apr
(extractsi
page 1
A communique by the Information Service of the French
kilometers Armed Forces in the Far Fast reports the following$
Thirty has breached the border and has crossed into Tonkine
Concerning the Mon Cay incidentj, it is now confirmed that the
attack vas launched by a detachment of about 600 men coming from China
t c - ? band ? Lao _
and composed . Communist - the
- . to the commander of the 20th "Liberation -
and aided by vist Minh forces calling themselves Communists*
This operation had been carefully planned, About 60 Chinese
? consunist soldiers, armed with false -
infiltrated the coastal defense battaliong a regular unit recruited
exclusively among Nun g st 1 ?
throw
moment*
 M
5a Material support from Chinese Communist
Saigon,. L'Umon Franeaise, daily French language newspaper,,
page I
Information A conmunique issued by the Armed Forces in the Far East states..
Tonkin - Sino-Viet Minh forces ?
the Tonkin-China border. In the Lao Cay sector,, two Chinese bands
which had crossed the border into Tonkin were driven out,, with eight
killed,
 FM
5* Material support from Chinese Communists
M
sourest D.: Rpt dated lo may 1949
Saigons Orient'q daily I or
page 2
Hanoi military officials describe as "highly fantastic* news
accounts from foreign sources which would have 25 Chinese Communist
battalions massed on the Tonkinese border*
The same authorities the importance of the collusion
between'the Chinese Communists and the _ ? point
it is not right to exaggerate the gravity,. from a miUtary point of
view,, of the intrusion into Indochinese territory of bands owing
? to the Communists*
These bands, judging ? i their numbers and their combat
strength,, do not at present appear capable of endangering the entire
French forces deployed along the Sino-Tonkinese border, these authorities
declare., but addi "It is certain,, however,, that they Zt-he bands7
provided a diversion which the Viet Minh urgently needed*"-
 5* Material support from Chinese Communists
Sourest FDBj, Rpt No dated 18 May 1949
....,
Saigon,, L'Echo du Viet Nam., daily French language 20 Apr 19QF
page 1
Commenting on the current military situation in Viet Nam,
the Hanoi nationalist daily Thoi Su statess
"Confronted by the increasingly serious situation in North
Viet Nam and the constant menaae along the northern border from pro.
Communist Chinese troops acting in liaison -with the Viet Minh forces,,
it will be only natural for France to send nilitary reinforcements
to ?.
 Sourest FDB., Rpt No dated 6 Jun 1949
Paris,, Indo Clim.. weekly French language nempaper,, 30 Apr 1949
report)
page 2
The troops of Ho Chi Minh in north Tonkin have voluntarily
withdrawn from their position,, following the crossing of the Tonkin
border ? troops commanded ? ? \ ? ex-Nationalist turned
Communist, states Henry Benazet in the Auroreo The writer states
that Ho Chi Minh now awaits reinforcements from Mao Tse--tung., in
order to launch a full-scale invasion. Benazet declares,, however',
that nine-tenths of Hola supporters will desert him when they
realize that their leader is betraying them to China., their
traditional enemy.
 FR,07f: Hanoi
Tn: Secretar7 of State
NO- 47, June 3, 5 P.m.
FT
Recid June 3, 1949
8:50 a.m.
reports Pritish colleague report
evidence uncovered China of Viet Ifinh
officers being Mck trained by Chinese Communist-army. In one instarre
200 said to have been found by Nationalists in course successful operati
southern province. I
 i?
30 June 1949
Source: Extract from Airgram No. 152 from the American Embassy, Bangkok, Siam,
dated April 12., 1949.4~a
Recent accusations made by the French to the effect that Chinese Commmists
were aiding Vietminh forces, particularly in the Hanoi area have brought forth
a strong denial from local Vietnamese News Service Representatives. On April 9
Liberty, a Bangkok English ldnguage paper., published a lengthy refutution of the
~rench gharges which, however., conta~ned a certain amount of evasion. After
listing in detail Vietnamese military successes achieved during the past months.,
the letter by Tran Ifai., local Director of the Vietnamese News Service, stated:
report forces benefit ? the Chinese liberation Army's help
is almost completely n he Chinese libera-
..... One has to ask oneself how t
? ,tip ? ? Travel distance which is still under control
of the Kuomintang forces to come and cooperate with Vietnam forces in the fight
apainst the French. President Ho Chi Minh once declared to an American correspon-
dent that Vietnam depends always upon its'own force."
 Chinese 5, Material support from Communist*
Source: FDB, Rpt No dated 9 may 1949
newspaper,,
1 Apr 1949
(full report)
page 1
The Viet Minh Government of Ho Chi Minh has confirmed the report
that troops of the Chinese Communist Liberation Armies have carried on
a joint action with Viet Minh military forces against the French on
the China-Indochina bordere The French are reported to have suffered
heavy losses*
 e 00
low
e. Material aid from Chinese Commanists
Source: SD T-257. Saigon, December 6, 1948. SD Control f1833-
felt from 4,000 j=*Oaarv bcAw area.*
 This file search has revealed no intelligence which confirms that
the Ho Government is receiving or has received moral support of a covert
nature from the Soviet Union. There are numerous examples of overt moral
support., however, through press and radio broadcasts and Saviet proposals
in the United Nations. It is quite clear that the USSR is supporting the
emergence of a government in Indochina led by Ho.
AIRM
 M
f. Moral support from the Soviet Union
Source: Review of Soviet Press, 22 Feb 1949, from T-R
THE ?? WORK, troops, ... In reality the so-ctnlled French army is based on the French
Foreign Legion which is a collectioh of former SS men, Austrian
stand soldiers from Aiterlite 110-pposed to this collection of former Aitler Youths and cut-tiiroats
the nadvanced. detechment of these forces uommun-Ist s
direct the -popular coalition which unites in Its ranks the wide
masses of the. working class, the peasantry, the intelligentsia und
the small and middle urban bourgeoise."
 E
support-from f. tiorp.1 Source: Washington Post', April 6, ? Saigon.
"French officials here clother the Viet Minh Party :. .
Communist ho Chi Minh in deepest red. Thp.,y term Ho's activities the
or financed
believe They do not directed In-
they contend that Ho Chi Minh and his associates are
stead
thoroug,hly steeped in communism by reason . early training
establishment and activities, and are d6dicated to the Soviet beachhead in ..
 La
...
Source: ~,few York Herald Trioune,
~ust 17,
August 16.
"The United Nationa Economic : rejected
Soviet pro,)ostii to admit the new ropublics of Inuonesia and Viet
end the Far East (ECAFE)."
 f. oral sun-nort from the Soviet Union.
Source: New York Herald Tribune, March 15, 1949; dateline Moscow,
i "arch 14, 1-9-49.
"Pravda today attacked the agreement signeo last week between
France and the ex-Emneror Bai Dsi of Annam, a part of French Indo-
China. The Communist organ called the accord a 'farcel which is
lbound to collansel. It sr-id neace in the Far East French -Orotect-
orate, where civil war has raged since the end of World War II, could
be reached only through talks with Ho Chi 'brinh, leader of the Viet-
Nam mentl of Indo-China. This kind of a solution 'does not satisfy
either the French colonizers or their American protectors,t the
 Brief of a telegram from Hanoi,, #8 dated 15 Nov 1946
The '"nti Fascist committee of 6oviet Youth sent a telegram to the youth of Vietnam
World Youth. Message from the Moscow Committee was acknowledged. It is not
known how this telegram arrived. It did not come through normal Freneh commercial
channels nor through any other known source. The X rench first picked it up in
English from RADIO HANOI., a Vietnamese controlled dtation. It could have come in
either through the Soviet Aepatriation Mission wh'.ch is now in Saigon or through
Bach Mai as suggested in my telegram #99 dated 29 October, 8 am.
The wording of the Russian message particularly the phrase "the "oviet youth
follows with the greatest sympathy your effort to achieve the unification of the
Vietnamese youthopopo" seems to ? 1 the intelligence ? ? r e f e r e n c e Deptel 241 ? ? 9 ? to Saigon, USSR anxious to see ? Chi
Minh succeed in uniting the three Kys or Boa.
 ?1'i'
? ?- ? ?
Extract from Moscow's of 21 April 1949; Control 5938
Soviet The forei-gn affairs week Mi TIMES, in its issue ? ?
devotes two-page article to "Viet Z
:u Struggle in its ? ?:?- ?c
from
united Extract at last paragrapht The workers, forming one of Hols chief supportep
are in the V 1~t 14a m confederation ? Labor ? membership ?? ???
The IDemocratic Women's organization ?: two million members,, and more then a
million peasants enlisted in the Peasant Union. two ? these ? ?:
are members respectively of the Communist-controlled W - orld Federation of Trade
Unions and the International Democratic Federation of "omen..*00000000
 Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
 Sourcet iFDB,, Rpt No dated 16 Jun 1949
Hong Kong., Hua-shang Pao. dai3,v Chinese language newspaper,,
1 Jun 1949
report)
page 1
Red Star,, organ of the Red . ...
About Vier-Nam,, a'collection of essWa by French leftist intalligents-iat
published in Moscow, 29 May 19499 by the Foreign Literature Publication
Society* Red Star, pointing to the political and economic reforms
effected by -the D96ocratic Republic of Viet Nam,, including labor laws,,
agricultural reforms, and cultural advances., quotes the book as follows
*The establishment of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam is
an obstacle in the path of the French monopolistic capitalists,, These
capitalists by their extortions in Viet Nam have realized many billions
in profit. Since September 1947 when BuUitt,, the ambassador of Wall
Street,, visited Saigon., American capitalists have been interfering in
the internal affairs of 'Viet 1Name4i
 z, -13 DeLilr ? s ? 120, 23 Oune 19,19
s orso to all ?
vie-us mvis and ? ?
? s ? o rencli
-IV" do -1 11
rs aid ?...l s~iadcs ? ? u v ?
b(-,r 1-45, fol-im-jinF- the vIctoriots offcns-vri of t.'e, Soviet Army,
'Co"J of
s + Cabihet of
+ +e n: ?
-nd the ? u or
? s no
 triumph FBIB Weekly Survey - 18 Feb 49 (TASS, in English Morse to theFar East, 12 Feb)
Re women of Vietnamt "The account of the activities of the women "to whom the
of the democratic system brought equility" is based on a letter by the Soviet ? - Antifascist Committee ? 1 member ? the National Alliance ? 1
FBIB Weekly Survey - 18 Feb 49 tbIA2
because "The 22 February edition of TRUD carries an article by Podkopayev devoted to the
thesis that popular support goes to Ho Chi-minh, not the former Emperor ( in Englisl
to North America, 22 Feb 49) The article contends that the French resorted to
negotiations with Bao Pai only stumbling block to the spread ? Communismi in Indochina
plans ? the American monopolies... doomed to
and the rest of Asia. 'These failure,,1 the commentary claims, because of "the successes of the 'ietnam.
democrqtie government under the guidance of Ho Chi-minh.111
FBIB Weekly Survey - 23 April 1948
"Two commentaries attribute blame to the US for the continued hostilities in
Indochina. A Mandarin-language broadcast of 15 April contends that twithout doubt,,
if the US had not extended military, financial, and diplomatic aid to the French
Government, the French would never possibly have waged cruel colonial war in
Vietnam.' Both commentaries praise Ho Chi Minh and denounce William Bullitt for
their respective roles.
FBIB Weekly Survey - 30 July 1948
"Reference, in monitored Soviet boradcastat to developments in Southeast Asia
continue to follow the familiar pattern* ............... and Ho Chi Minh and the
Viet Nam #epublic are praised in a commentary by Mayevsky that represents nothing
? aired frequently past
but a rehash of arguments and charges that have
 Source: FBIB, from Moscow Far East Service, in Japanese, 12 April 1929 exeerpts
from commentary entitled "Anti-Conununist Propaganda of the Anglo-American
"The Viet Nam Government is made up of members of the Communist, Socialist,, Democratic,
Nationalist and the New Annam. parties. 'Representatives of Buddhists and catholics
are also in the Government. ...Ho Chi Minh, who leads the fi#ht against the Japanese
and the French colonizers and who has the undivided respect of the people is the
head of this Government. The imperialist bloc has been carrying on wild anti-
Communist propaganda to weaken the Ho Chi !qnh Government and to split the unity
of the Viet Namese.If
 ? ?E
1 July 1949
Source: FBIB, Soviet Far East Service$ in English to India and
10 March 1949 excerpts - 'Veekl~y Survey., Vol. II, No. 11,
p. 18
"The 'apprehensive' Prench negotiated with Bao Dai and lignored the democratic
government of Ho Chi Minh which has the support of the entire population of
Viet Nam.' 11
? Service, 3urvey, Vol. II Mo. 22, p. 16
"'Phe Foreign Literature Publishing House in Moscow has just published a book
entitled 7-7, Tr?,TTTH AMMT VT1,T MAM composed of articles prepared by progressive
7rench intellectuals. T17D STAIR., in reviewing the new volume,, traces the history
of the Viet Nam resistance movement and dwells particularly on political and
economic achievements of the Republic."
Source: FPTB, Soviet Par Rast Service., July 1948 - "leekly Survey., Vol. 1., No.
54, 23 July 1948, P. H5
"Viet ~finh accomplishments are recapitulated in a report of a summary issued on
19 June-the 1,000 day of resistance. The accomplishments listed include casual-
ties inflicted on French troops, equipment captured etc."
Source: FBTT3, Soviet Far East Service, in Arabic, 6 July 1948 - 'i'leekly Survey.,
Vol. 1, No. 52, 9 July 1948, p. H3
"General Xuan's position is said to be 'Precarious? and the people of Indochina,,
under the leadership of Ho Chi -inh have not only refused to cooperate witli
_uan but will continue to struggle a
-ainst it."
Source: 17117-3, Soviet Far East Service., in Russian to Soviet Asia, 2 Jul,- 1948
.7eekly Survey, Vol. 1, No. 52, 9 July 48, p. 11-2
11ITW"7STTA renorts that the French will never be able to divide the liberation
1.11ovement because the Ho Chi ~finh Government has firmly established itself by
its democratic accomplishments."
 ? ?+
1 July 194 9
Source: FBIB, Soviet Far Past Service, in Indonesian, 11 June 1949 - 6xcerpt -
Weekly Survey Vol. 11, No. 24 P. 17 - Daily Reports USSR and Eastern Europe,
no. 116, 17 June 1949, P-C05-7
"Moscow claims that the Indochina war is proving costly in both francs and manpower
and insists that Ithe people of Viet Nam are united under the leadership of
Ho Chi MinhIll
Source: FBIB, Soviet Far East Service from Khabarovsk in Korean, 25 June 1949-exce ts
"The Viet Namese Communist Party has been very successful in its efforts to (unite)
the entire democratic power of the land.
"The enslaved people in the Far Eastern countries look with profound trust upon the
Soviet Union which has opened a glorious future for them., and regard the Soviet
Union as their intimate friend.
"The anti-imperialist camp, including the Soviet Union has been an important source
of power... The presence of this powerful democratic camp gives the colonized people
a firm conviction that they can win in the struggle to claim full independence and
libert~, for the fatherland."
Source: FBIB, Soviet Far East Service, in Mandarins 23 June 1949 excerpts of summary
Speech before joint conference of Pacific regional research and economic research
institute in Moscow. Conference topic: "The People's Struggle in Asia."
"The Lenin-Stalin principles on the strug-l-e of the proletariat can be clearly seen
in the peoples of western Asia ... Now under the leadership of Communist Parties,
the colonial areas of Asia are experiencing a resurgence of democracy and freedom.
1 People's Government ,,.Others in Asia, such as the for the liberation of the proletariat."
Source: FBIB, Soviet Far East Service, in English to North America, 22 February 1949
Weekly Survey, Vol. 1Is No. 8, 25 February, page 110
t1TRUD carries an article by Podkopayev claiming that the French resorted to negotia-
tions with Bao Dai only because tin the opinion of "J'ashingtont re-instatement of
Rao Dai 'would be a stumbling block to the spread of Communism? in Indochina and
the rest of Asia. 'These plans of the American monopolies...are doomed to failure
(because of) the successes of the Viet Nam democratic government under the guidance
of Ho Chi Minh. t 11
 E
HIONJIM"
~. ... .1 - -' .,
This file search has revealed no intelligence confirming that the
Chinese Communists directly and explicitiy support the Vietnam Govern-
ment led by Ho Chi Minh. Recently, however, the Chinese Communist
Radio., by omission,, has indicated support of Hots efforts. Some evidence
of general moral support from Chinese Communists for the effort to drive
out the French is available. CTA believes that evidence of specific moral
support is not likely to be forthccming until some understanding is reached
4J
 g. Moral support from Chinese Communists
Sources FDBP RPt No e language newspaper.* 6 Jun 1949
Hong Kong, Hua ShanF__Fao, daily Chines
On the eve of Ho Chi Minh's 58th birthdayt the so-dalled Sino-Vietnam
Federation circulated anti-French and anti-Bao Dai pamphlets in Chinese and
Annamese exhorting the Chinese and Vietnamese people Of Indochina to unite and
drive out the French.
 Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
 O,.
7. J -ay 49
Division
China
Sourcet r Eastern Section, Articles and 6peeches,, March 22, 1949
North ._.: New China News Agency in English Morse to North
America, Mar 21, 1949p 10:10 a.m. EST-H.
North Shensi on Indonesian
'Bourgeois M,vements Doomed to Fail"
(Excerpts
111he reactionary ruling classes of the "Ppublic dread the anti-imperialist
strength of the people of their own country (Indonesia) and of the people of
the world. .1herefore they not only cannot shoulder the great cause of national
liberation, preserve their tRepublict from being destroyed the Dutch aggressors. They have the same outlook as the Nehrus, Ginnahs, Luang
of the East...."
(Note .that Ho Chi Minh is M& included in that grouping, which would
indicate .that the CCP arproves of HO's - this approves
article only of Communist-led and Soviet-oriente'd movements.)
Moral Communists
 !3. IL Moral support
Sourest D.:
Hong Kong, Hua Shang-Paot daily Chinese language newspaper
6 Jun 1949 P
On the eve of Ho Chi Minhts 58th birthday, the 00--called Sino.
Viet Nam Federation circulated anti-French and anti-Bao Dai pamphlets
in Chinese and Annamese exhorting the Chinese and Vietnamese people
of Indochina to unite and drive out the French*
 Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
 This file search has revealed considerable intelligence which
indicates that general synpathy and moral support for the Vietnam
Government led by Ho, has been expressed from other Communist
quarters. There is no information available that material assistance
has been given to the Ho Government by other Communist parties or
other Communist-dominated organizations. It should be noted., however.,
that this support is generally for the resistance movement rather than
? ? perscnally,
 FBIBj, 10 June 49
Paris,q AFPO French Press Service, June 9
"Paris--The Political Bureau of the French Communist
chairmanship of Maurice Thorezv Secretary General of the Party* ......... the
following mandate to the Communist Parliamentary group: 1 --------- 2, To claim
the 1immddiate cessation of hostilities negotiations with Ho Chi Minh. 3 -----------
r 27 June 49
Relations voieb of South Vietnam., Republican-controlled -- in Annamesey June 25
Committee . the People's
The (Far Eastern) Economic and Cultural Republic of Czechoslovakia oganized an exposition in Prague-showing the
struggle of Vietnam. The exposition o ........... has a large number of photograph8q
paintings, and (maps) to show clearly to the Czechoslovak people the manmrs and
customs of the ~if_,tnamese people, the brutal domination by French colonialiats
during the past 80 years, and the great achivements of the democratic Republic of
Vietnam, particularly the glorious struggle of the whole Vietnamese people against
the French colonial aggressors* --------
FBIB., 17 June 49
?
The German youth who held a national congress in Berlin~ invited the representative
Voice of ~'outh Vietnamp Republican-controlled -- in Annamesay June sent the German youths a message of greetings and expressed deep regret at his not
of Vietnamese youth to participate in the congress. The Vietnamese representative
being able to participate - -------
I: Annamesep May 19
Excerpt:
Here is the message sent by the Secretary General of the Indian Youth League in
Burma
OThe whole Vietnamese people must be grateful to him (Ho) because thanks to his
farsighted leadershipp Vietnam has obtained many successes in a short period of
time, It is only with such a le;~der that an oppressed people can defeat French
imperialism . ........... 0..0 ...... .Long live President Ho hi Minh. Long live
the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Long live the democratic peoples all over
the world."
 [Ra
a
A0.
? ?a
Source: Report No. R-556-48 from Military Attache at Prague, dated Decenber 29, 1948,'
on the subject of: 11011NIPOL Agent Reported Buying Arms for VIET NAM Forces".
Around 1 Dee 48 according to a Mr, SIMOVICH., of
JUGOSLAV nationality', formerly a USTASHI member., was present in PRXHA acting as
a representative for Ok~WIPOLJ the official buying and selling agency for
CZECITLOSLOVAKIA. The report stated that SI'MOVICH was attempting to buy arms for the
VIET NAM forces. According to the source., SD~OVICH, was recently the OMNIPOL
representative in KARACHI., INDIA, and was returned to PRAHA by unknowh persons to
make the arms purchase. A separate source reported
substantially the same information at the same time., only adding that the arms to
be brought were small arms of several types all coming from the ZBROJOVKA BRNO
factories.
arms
I C(TUNT: Sales here to the VIE7 UVARSE WGULD probably be countenanced by the
SOVIETS, and.it is knomn that CZMHOSLOVAKIA has arms available for purchase.
However'.,the sale of such arms has usually been contingent on the purchaser's
ability to pay hard currency. No further information is available but details
will be forwarded as they become available.
 W
8* Moral Support from other world Communist parties or organizatioll
Source: FDB., Rpt dated 3.1 May :L949
? Le Journal dExtreme Orient., daily French language
newspaper, 13 Apr 1949
Page 2
prohibition A debate on the organized
demonstrations
? developed meeting at a recent of the
Municipal Council of Paris, D< ? _
bloc, recounted atrocities committed against French soldiers,
doctors, and nurses Oby rebel bands at the orders of Ho Chi Minh,,N
and demanded that the Paris Prefect of Police prohibit all so-called
manifestations for peace Which,, he claimed were actually propaganda
maneuvers of thexabel forces in Indochina,. The speaker demanded
application of the treason law., closing down of the Viet Minh
delegation in France and confiscation of literature distributed by
that agency,
At this points, Me Bossus observed in the name of the .Commmist
group that the majority of Parisians were in favor of peace,
 U1
U
8o Moral support Communist
Sourcet D.: Rpt No dated 20 Apr 1949
Saigon., Le Journal ? d'Extreme Orient,, daily French language
newspaper, 3.1 Mar 1949
(full report)
page
Jules Haag writing in Climate warns the Viet .Minh,, as well
as all Vietnamese, that they should take little consolation in French
Communist efforts on the part of Viet Nam.
He states., ? Chi Minh and his ministers should know well
that the Communists at Versailles, or at the Palais Bourbon., have
little interest in Viet Nam or its future, The new state of Viet
Nam interests them only to the extent that it will be aligned to the
Russian sphere, In the debates on the accord with Bao Dai,, the
Communists scrupulously obeyed the orders . Moscow,
Poe-ski France& Perish Viet f ? Russia dominates the
worldl concept., ? Communists, ? and always., are
submissive to ? . ' even against France itself**
 8.o Moral support from other world Commiunint parties or organizations
Sources D: dated language report3
page 1
Regarding Bao Dails return,, the Humanite remains loyal
Mao Tse-tung and Ho Chi Minh, trusting that T-heprovan patience
the press and public blindness will offset the risks involved in
their bold policy, i
 8. MDral support from other world Gcmunist Parties or organizations
Sources FDBP Rpt No dated 14 Apr 1949
Shang-41&i,, Hsin-wen Pao.* daily Chinese language newsPaperp 3 Mar 1949
(excerpt)
page 1
The avowed intent of the Bumese Bolshevik P&rt`Y is &1:Lgnmlnt
with the Comnmiat parties in China and Indochina and lOYA1tY to Soviet
policy* The Party is pledged to strive for the overthrow of all
capitalist governmentse
 B. Support from other world Communist parties or organizations
a No 6/49 dated 24 mar 1949
Sourcet. FM, 3:ndochinese press Saigons LITinion Francaisep daily French language new paper,
? Doe 1947Ef--
(excerpts)
The collusion which Viet Minh representatives maintain abroad
international page 32
with the Communists is well known* The propaganda
t . III issued the following
services of the HO Chi Minh circular:- "on the occasion of the centennial of the 1848 revolutions,
our delegation in Budapest attended a conference with more than 1,000
Greek democratic officers. one of our representatives outlined the
military situation in Viet Nam and aroused a great interost by his
description of the battle of Tonkin. A portrait of Ho Chi Minh and
one of Vo Nguyen Giap were given to the head of the Greek delegation
who promised to deliver them to General Markose* - Editorial
 1:1
Source: FIB Rpt No dated 6 Jun 1949
~~Bp Indo u11m. weekly French language newspapert 30 Apr 1949
(excei-p-t-81--
page 1 - 2
The Paris Cominform paper Sovetskiy Patriot of 25 April 1949
states the following opinion in an article entitled "On Orders from
Washington,, the Puppet Bao Dai Leaves for Viet Nam :00 and the Dirty
%r Continues*:
"&qmror Bao Daip Puppet of the French, and especially the
US imperialists in Indochina,, left Nice by air yesterday for Saigon,
Bao Dai admitted to the AFP., before departure,, that the work awaiting
him was 'vast and complex.1 His departure was delayed from week to
week,, as he knows he has no native support and that all the Vietnamese
support the duly-constituted government of Ho Chi Minhe The only way
to and the 'dirty war' is to deal with Ho Chi Minh**
 other Corm-anist
k. Material or morea rt from parties.
1..f....
of the I!renah National Assembly oVoged milItaz7 credits for
.f1,,,1.1 in the ?
and hers, ? .'JI . ? fi .? ine
? ' 111 .11
level. ? 1 e. 4 / Commmist paxJ7 ? ' . militarY credits I the
w= beiu,-. vW& 17 the Trench agalmst the X2 so-called Democratic
Republic Vietnam.
sources Prench Jou,=--A4 Mi-ciel, ParliamentaI7 Debates, march. 1.94 7-
 h. Material or moral support from Communist parties in other parts of
the we rldL.
Sources Air Att&che, Paris, report no. Bi-619.*46. Date of Informations
12 August 1946. Sourest- French Air Force Officer. Iveluation: C-3.
91, Racently 76 airplanes were received by the French Air Force In
Ind"hins. zvory single one of these was unfit for use due to deliberate
sab*to,p on the part of Workmen In the f &ctory where they were made.
2. The is 500, which is the French version of the Gorman Fleselor
sabotage Starch, has recently been grounded in France. This is because the fabric tears
part of the workmen In the
off the wings due to deliberate factory where they were made. Due to the shortage of airplanes in Indochina
the French Air Force is forced to fly them there anyway.
3. L large part of the workion in the French aircraft Industry
belong to comminist cons, They perform theme acts of sabotage to help
their "brother Communistsw who are fighting against the French in Indo-China.
A/AirJL Comment: The A-2, French Air Force, bas confirmed that the Morane
500c have been grounded in France .: . wings Whether ,
not the failure of the fabric is caused by deliberate sabotW, by faulty
materials, bad workmanship, or normal wear, is not known,"
 IM-191
Approved For Rleas 7002115 ~:IAaR'616100600020001-9
Il.ri A Ti TT 101.0
Ho Chi$ Minh
o :;s
Special State request (CR no. 6580.6, dated 1 July)
Documentary evidence' showing Ho Chi Minh as a Communist.
This project was prepared by B/FE without reference
to G/SI and a copy was deposited with G/SI on 5 July.
The original was delivered by B/FE to State on 1 July.
No other dissemination was made.
tn~:: ~ 4Ba + .+ ~ Secret
Specioal report of considerable size
Disseminated 1 July 1949
-it A
CIS
^~'= B/FE did it all
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
 Approved For 2e ease 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A090600020001-9
~~ !fb Chi Mihh
3 . Cawv~c~rtsncsvr~ - tic ~ . - -
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-01617A000600020001-9
 Approved For R&ease 2002/0 - P78-01617A00060002000L;91 ,~
14 August 1950
MEMORANDUM FOR: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ORE
FROM: Assistant Director, OCD
SUBJECT: Intelligence Memoranda for Vital Document
Repository
1. Annex A of the Plan for the Secure Storage of Vital Docu-
.tents, dated 18 July 1950, Part II, paragraph 2, includes ORE
Intelligence Memoranda as a series to be stored in the Vital Docu-
ment Repository.
2. The CIA Library is charged with responsibility for assembl-
ing complete sets of CIA produced documents in the Repository. To
date no issue of IM-191, disseminated 1 July 1949, has been located.
The subject of this IM was Ho Chi Minh.
3. It is requested that distribution for all IM documents
issued by ORE be increased by one additional for OCD. This
additional copy of each issue will be placed in the Vital Docu-
ments Repository.
4. It is requested further that a copy of IM-191, referred
to above, be provided as soon as possible.
Approved For Release 200245 j CIA- RDP78-O1617A000600020001
17/
 Approved Fo, Release 2002/01/25 : CIA-RDP78-0161-;A000600020001-9
TQ 2
r0
Approved For Release 2002/01/25 : -RDP78-01617A000600020001-9