The Future of French Indo-China

Abstract

French Indo-China, it is interesting to note, is unique among the colonies of South East Asia in that it has remained under the administration of its prewar government even though the substance of power has passed to the Japanese invaders. The French community is largely anti-Vichy and anti-Japanese, as are most of the officials and certainly all the petty officials. It is generally said that Indo-China yielded readily to the Japanese in 1940–41, or even that the French handed over the colony to enable the Japanese to use it as a base of operations for their subsequent moves south. The French at once mobilized all their nationals and a certain number of natives. The equipment available included light arms and some field artillery, but the supply of ammunition was very small. Admiral Decoux hoped to limit the scope of Japanese encroachments by surrendering on questions of minor importance but refusing to give in on any major issue.