Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-06-26
Experiment in Indo-Chino

Ratification of the so-caIled Wet Nam
agreements" between the French govern
ment and Bao Dai, former Emperor OF
AMMAN consummates poiitico- diplomatic
experiment whose outcome will be i'm
portant for the future, not merely Of Indo-
China but of other parts Of Asia as well.
Essentially, it is an attempt by French
craftsmanship to fight the spreading IRE
of communism with the counterf1re OF local
nationalism The result may 60 far 10
prove which theology is the stronger. at
least in Southeast Asia.
Frances Far Eastern colonial empire OF
Indo China, an imperialist grouping OF
several diverse regions and peoples, has
long been increasingly permeated by native
dislike Of French colonial rule Even before
World War II, this unrest expressed itself
in a nationalist movement. strongest in
AMMAN, country which remained pro-
tectorate with its own dynastic sovereigns
who acknowledged French suzerainty but
retained local authority.
During World War II, the undermining
of French prestige, coupled with a yelled
Japanese occupation, immensely stimulated
the nationalist movement, which acquired
a Communist tinge owing TO the leadership
of Ho Chi Mini, a Moscow-trained agitator
of marked talent. When France en-
deavored to re-establish its authority after
the expulsion Of the japanese, Ho Chi Mini
resisted them, and the ensuing three years
of warfare have resulted In military stale
mate. the French holding the chief cities
and towns but unable to sweep the rebel
guerrillas from the open country. This
stalemate has not only paralyzed Indo-
China's economic life but Is heavy drain
on French resources. It has become more
untenable with the Communist victory In
China and the approach Of Chinese Red
forces to the borders of Indo China. where
they could aid Ho Chi Mini.
The strength of the Red leader has lain
in his astute emphasis upon nationalism
and hopes of independence, soft-pedaling
his Communist theology. The French have
now come to terms with nationalsm by
making an agreement with Bao Dali, head
Of the venerated Annamite dynasty. He
becomes the titular head of q new state
called Wet Nam, embracing all of Indo-
China and endowed with full sovereignty,
subject to certain special arrangements
with France. The projected status OF
Wet Nam may roughly be compared to a
dominion in the British Commonwealth
or of the United States OF Indonesia In
the federation planned between the Meth
erlands and its former colonies.
The crucial question Is whether this move
will split Of enough Of the insurgent
nationalist now following Ho Chi Mini
to raise genuine native opposition ID.
him and his more radical or downright
Communist supporters. Bao Dali has
behind him dynastic and religious prestige
In addition, he seems to be q person of
ability forcefulness and courage. He Ger
tainly is the one potential leader of
conservative nationalist movement. Ho
Chi Mini naturally ,denounces him as a
mere French puppet and has placed a
price on his head. The course of events
should soon show whether the new state
OF Wet Nam has inherent vitality or
whether native opinion will reject 1t as
French camouhage