The third alternative. and the one I would support. is that the French recognize the independence of the people of the three states. so that the French will secure the support of the Associated States. and in that way secure the loyalty of the common people as well as the intelligentsia of that area so they will support the army. But if the two alternatives are either to support the French in the present contractual relationships of the three Associated States in the French Union. or the French withdraw. I think either would lead to disaster. I do not believe we could get united action behind the first alternative. because I do not think the Asiatics and the people of the Associated States would be in favor of it. Then the burden will fall on us and on the French.
Keywords matched
Asiatics