Date
(YY-MM-DD)
Place Event Actor Theme Keywords
45-02-08 France Creation of the French Inter Ministerial Committee on Indochina (COMINDO) French political figure Political Organization
45-03-09 Indochina Japanese coup de force ending French colonial rule in Indochina Japanese Army Political Coup
45-03-11 Hue Bao Dai, backed by the Japanese, denounces the French protectorate and proclaims Vietnam's independence Vietnamese political figure, Japanese army Political Monarchy, Independence
45-03-13 Cambodia King Norodom Sihanouk declares Cambodia's Independence Cambodian monarchy Political Independence
45-04-17 Hue Installation of the Tran Trong Kim government at the head of the Empire of Vietnam Vietnamese political figure, Japanese army Political Independence, Organization
45-05-08 Germany Germany surrenders Germany Military End of W.W.II
45-07-17 Germany The Allied leaders in Postdam divide Indochina at the 16th parallel, with the China Theater in charge of the north and the British South East Asia Command in the South International relations Political, Military End of W.W.II, partition, occupation, Republic of China, United Kingdom
45-08-06 Japan The Americans drop atomic bomb on Hiroshima USA Military Bombing, End of W.W.II
45-08-08 Phnom Penh During the night, the Japanese back a coup and allow Son Ngoc Thanh to seize power Cambodia Political Monarchy, Coup, Independence
45-08-09 Japan The Americans drop atomicbomb on Nagasaki USA Military Bombing, End of W.W.II
45-08-14 Japan Japan surrenders Japan Military End of W.W.II
45-08-14 Hue Bao Dai announces with Japanese backing, the annexation and unification of Cochinchina with the rest of Vietnam (Annam and Tonkin) Vietnamese political figure, Japanese army Political Independence, Monarchy
45-08-15 Paris Charles de Gaulle names Admiral Thierry d'Argenlieu as high commissioner of France in Indochina French military figure, French political figure Political, Military High Commissioner
45-08-16 Hanoi The Viet Minh call for insurrection Viet Minh Political, Military Independence, City, Revolution
45-08-16 Tan Trao, Tonkin A people assembly of 60 representatives elect the Committee for the liberation of Vietnam Viet Minh   Independence
45-08-17 Paris Charles de Gaulle names Marcel Alessandri interim High Commissioner for Indochina French armed forces Military High Commissioner
45-08-17 Tonkin The dikes of the Lo and Thao rivers break   Social, Economy Rice, Economy, Famine, Flood, Food
45-08-17 Saigon, Cochinchina Meeting of the Nam Bo territorial committee (Xu Uy Nam Bo) in Cho Dem, deciding to make publicthe Communist party and the Viet Minh in Saigon Vietnamese communist, Viet Minh Political Meeting
45-08-18   Viet Minh begin to seize power in main provinces starting in north and moving southwards in the following weeks Viet Minh Political Mobilization, Insurrection, Revolution
45-08-18 Saigon, Cochinchina The Vanguard Youth claims to be "faithful to the nation, determined to fight the enemy" Youth, Viet Minh Political Demonstration, Social unrest, Youth, Sports
45-08-19 Thai Binh, Hanoi, Tonkin The Viet Minh seize power in the "August Revolution". The Vinh Bao dike breaks, the Hung Nhan one breaks 2 days later followed by the My Lo on 22/8/1945   Economy, Social Insurrection, Revolution, Independence, Rice, irrigation, harvest, famine, food, flood
45-08-20   Bao Dai sends telegrams to Allied leaders asking them to respect Vietnamese independence International relations, Allied, Vietnamese political figure Political Independence, Communications, Allies
45-08-20 Saigon, Cochinchina Meeting of the Viet Minh front attended by several personalities, such as Tran Van Giau and Huynh Tan Phat Viet Minh, Vietnamese political figure Political Meeting
45-08-21 Saigon, Cochinchina Nam Bo territorial committee (Xu Uy Nam Bo)'s second Cho Dem meeting deciding to initiate an insurrection in Tan An in order to test the Japanese Army's reaction Viet minh, Vietnamese communist Political, Military Japanese army, Independence
45-08-22 Hanoi, Tonkin Jean Sainteny and small team arrives in Hanoi on the same plane as Archimedes Patti French military figure, USA Political Arrival
45-08-22 Ha Nam, Tonkin The Day river dike breaks   Social, Economy Rice, Paddy, Harvest, Irrigation, starvation, Flood
45-08-22 Tan An, Cochinchina Vietnamese seizure of power in Tan An district Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political Insurrection, Revolution
45-08-23 Hue, Hanoi The Viet Minh central committee sends a letter calling on king Bao Dai to abdicate Viet Minh, Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy
45-08-23 Saigon, Cochinchina Nam Bo territorial committee (Xu Uy Nam Bo)'s third Cho Dem meeting decides an insurrection in Saigon on the night of the 24/8, agrees on the election of a provisional executive committee of 9 members, headed by Tran van Giau Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political Insurrection, Revolution, Independence, Meeting
45-08-25 Saigon, Cochinchina Insurrection in Saigon, Cho Lon and Gia Dinh Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political Insurrection, Revolution, Independence
45-08-25 Hanoi, Tonkin Ho Chi Minh arrives in Hanoi from Việt Bắc Vietnamese political figure Political  
45-08-27 Hanoi Emergence of the Vietnamese Provisional Government DRV Political State formation, Independence, Revolution
45-08-27   Meeting organized by local French Communists between French Commissioner of the Republic for Cochinchina, Jean Cedile and representatives of the Nam Bo Committee, including Tran Van Giau, Pham Ngoc Thach and Nguyen Van Tao. French military figure, Viet Minh Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
45-08-27   Vo Nguyen Giap meets Jean Sainteny Vietnamese military figure, French military figure Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
45-08-28   British General Douglas Gracey named commander-in-chief of Allied Forces south of the 16th parallel, including those of the French UK, French armed forces Military Partition, Occupation, British
45-08-28   First Cabinet of the Provisional government of what becomes the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) announced; Pham Ngoc Thach is nominated the first minister of health in provisional government DRV Social, Political Medicine, Health, State formation, Nomination
45-08-29 Luang Prabang, Laos Prince Savangvatthana meets French commandant Imfeld French military figure, Laos Political Meeting, Franco-Lao Relations
45-08-30 Hue Official abdication of Bao Dai in the presence of a delegate of the provisional government in Hanoi. The ex-emperor agrees to become supreme advisor to the government Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, State formation
45-08-30 Hanoi, Tonkin The Japanese army transfers Radio Bach Mai to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political, Social Radio, Media; Communications
45-08-30 Luang Prabang, Laos King Sisavangvong signs a declaration affirming that Japanese occupation, including the coup de force, had not invalidated the French protectorate over Laos Laos, French military figure Political Independence, Franco-Lao Relations
45-09-01 Vientiane, Laos Viceroy Prince Phetsarath declares the independence of Laos Laos, French Armed forces Political Franco-Lao Relations, Independence, Monarchy
45-09-02 Hanoi At Ba Dinh square, proclamation confirming Vietnam's independence by Ho Chi Minh; Official birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political Independence, Revolution, Meeting
45-09-02 Tokyo Formal signing of Japanese capitulation Japanese government Political, Military End of WWII
45-09-03 Hanoi, Tonkin The first Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) government cabinet meeting DRV Political State formation, Independence, Meeting
45-09-04   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 4SL creating an Independence Fund DRV Political, Economy Economy, Banking system
45-09-05   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 7SL guaranteeing the freedom of sale and transportation of rice and grain DRV Political, Economy, Social Rice, Trade, Economy, Food, Communications
45-09-05   Democractic Republic of Vietnam decree 15SL deciding the national flag: a yellow star on a red background DRV Political State formation
45-09-05   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 6 outlaws supplying or trading with the enemy (including the returning French) DRV Political, Economy, Social State formation, Mobilization, Trade, Economy
45-09-07   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 11 organizing the state apparatus responsible for the taxes DRV Political, Social, Economy Tax, State formation, Budget, Economy
45-09-07 Hanoi "The Voice of Viet Nam" (Dai Tieng Noi Viet Nam) begins broadcasts from Hanoi DRV Political, Social Radio, Media, Communications
45-09-07   Democractic Republic of Vietnam decree 11SL abrogating the individual tax DRV Political, Economy, Social Economy, Banking system, tax
45-09-08   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decrees the organization of general elections DRV Political State formation, Elections, Independence
45-09-08   DRV creation of the Popular Education Office aimed at the eradication of illiteracy DRV Political, Social Literacy, Education, Propaganda, State Formation
45-09-08   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 14SL deciding the organization of general elections within the next two months DRV Political State formation
45-09-09   In conformity with the Postdam agreements and the issuance of Order No.1 by U.S. President Harry Truman, Chinese troops enter northern Indochina to disarm the Japanese and maintain order Chinese Nationalist, Japanese Army Military, Political Partition, Occupation, Potsdam, Republic of China-French Relations, Republic of China-Vietnamese Relations, Franco-Chinese Relations, Sino-French Relations
45-09-10   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) circular allowing individuals to purchase weapons for self defence DRV Political, Social Weapons
45-09-10   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 27SL creating the Tax Bureau DRV Political, Economy, Social Economy, Banking system, tax
45-09-12   DRV Creation of the Ministry of Defence's Liaisons and communications office PAVN Military Communications, Radios, Telephones
45-09-12 Saigon, Cochinchina Arrival in Cochinchina of a Gurkha battalion and the French 5th R.I.C. from Rangoon. French civilians gather in Catinat street to welcome their arrival. UK, French civilians Military, Political Occupation, End of WWII, Franco-British Relations, Vietnamese-British Relations, Mobilization
45-09-13   Entry of British troops in southern Indochina to disarm the Japanese UK, Japanese Army Political, Military Partition, Occupation, Potsdam, Franco-British Relations, Vietnamese-British Relations, Japanese-British Relations, United Kingdom
45-09-13   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 13/SL on the competence of military courts to be established in Hanoi, Haiphong, Thai Nguyen, Ninh Binh, Vinh, Hue, Quang Ngai, Saigon and My Tho. DRV, PAVN Political, Social Justice, State Formation
45-09-17 Tonkin, Hanoi Organizing of the "gold week" to help fill the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)'s empty coffers DRV Political, Social, Economy Gold, Currency, Economy, Banking, Mobilization
45-09-19 Paris Meeting between Charles de Gaulle and a representative of the Republic of China. The latter agrees not to block the restoration of French sovereignty to Indochina French political figure, Chinese Nationalist Political Meeting, Republic of China-French Relations, Sino-French Relations, Franco-Chinese Relations
45-09-20   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 34SL creating the Constitution Drafting committee composed of Hồ Chí Minh, Vũ Thụy, Đặng Thai Mai, Vũ Trọnh Khánh, Lê Văn Hiến, Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Đặng Xuân Khu DRV Political State formation
45-09-20 Luang Prabang Arrival in upper Laos of the 93rd division of the Republic of China army Laos, Chinese nationalist Political Occupation, Republic of China-French Relations, Republic of China-Lao Relations, Sino-French Relations, Sino-Lao Relations, Partition
45-09-21 Saigon, Cochinchina General Gracey proclaims martial law in lower Vietnam UK Military, Political Law, Justice, Occupation, Franco-British Relations, Vietnamese-British Relations
45-09-23 Saigon French launch coup de force, with British green light, driving the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) out of the city before going on to retake major roads, bridges, and provincial capitals in Vietnam below the 16th parallel. The Indochina War begins in the south, while the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) remains in power in Hanoi thanks to Chinese decision not to overthrow the government or to allow a rapid French return UK, Chinese Nationalist, French armed forces, DRV Political, Military Occupation, coup, 23 September, Independence, Start of War
45-09-23 Rome, Vietnam Four Vietnamese bishops make public a letter sent to Pope Pius XII calling on the Vatican to respect Vietnamese independence Catholic Church Social, Political Vatican, Catholicism, Church, Independence, Religion
45-09-26 Cochinchina Dewey OSS leader in Indochina is killed near Tan Son Nhut, first US military man killed in Indochina USA, Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Military Casualty, terrorist attack
45-09-28 Singapore Colonel Jean Cedile and General Douglas Gracey meet; Admiral Mountbattne, head of South East Asia Command, invites Cedile to resume negotiations with the Vietnamese and reminds Gracey to remain neutral UK, French military figure Political Meeting, Franco-British Relations, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Vietnamese-British Relations
45-09-28   Ho Chi Minh calls for the people "sharing rice and clothes" (sẽ cơm nhường áo) DRV Political, Social Mobilization, Insurrection, Revolution
45-09-28 Hanoi, Tonkin Ho Chi Minh meets Léon Pignon and General Alessandri Vietnamese political figure, DRV, French political figure, French military figure Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
45-10-02 Saigon, Cochinchina General Gracey signs a truce with the Nam Bo committee UK, Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Agreement, Vietnamese-British Relations, United Kingdom
45-10-03 Saigon, Cochinchina Arrival of the first contingents of the French Expeditionary Corps to Indochina below the 16th parallel French armed forces Military Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Expeditionary Corps
45-10-03   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)'s first communiqué on its foreign policy, towards Allied countries fighting Fascism, towards France and towards neighboring countries DRV Political Diplomacy
45-10-03   Negotiations between the French and the Nam Bo Committee. French military figure, Viet Minh Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of War
45-10-04   Formation of early DRV 'Southern Advance' (Nam Tiến) units in north and center to assist Southern resistance PAVN Military  
45-10-05 Saigon Arrival of General Leclerc at Tan Son Nhut air base French military figure Military, Political Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
45-10-08 Laos The Lao Issara inform King Sisavangvong of their intention to establish a constitutional monarchy Lao nationalist Political Monarchy, Parliament, State formation, Independence
45-10-09   Agreement whereby the United Kingdom recognizes French authority over Indochina UK, French political figure Political Franco-British Relations, Occupation
45-10-10 Singapore Inter-allied conference in Singapore (Mountbatten, Leclerc and Gracey) Political, Military Political Meeting, Franco-British Relations
45-10-10 Saigon The truce between the Vietnamese and the British army is disrupted, Franco-British troops launch an operation to occupy Saigon and vicinity French military figure, UK Military Start of War, Vietnamese-British Relations, Occupation
45-10-10   King Sisavanvong deposes Viceroy Petsarah Laos Political State formation, Monarchy, Franco-Lao Relations, Independence
45-10-10 Thakhek, Laos Prince Souphanouvong creates a Committee for the Independence of Laos Lao Communist Political State formation, Independence, Franco-Lao Relations
45-10-15 Phnom Penh Leclerc orders the arrest of Cambodian leader Son Ngoc Thanh Political, Cambodian nationalist Political Franco-Cambodian Relations, Independence, coup
45-10-15 Laos The Lao provisional government presents its program to the provisional National Assembly Lao nationalist Political Parliament, State formation, Independence, Franco-Lao Relations
45-10-15 Mekong Delta Operation Moussac carried out by Lieutenant colonel Massu's armored troops aimed at reoccupying the Mekong Delta. French armed forces Military Battle, reoccupation
45-10-15 Hanoi Ho Chi Minh meets Jean Sainteny Vietnamese political figure, DRV, French military figure Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Independence
45-10-17   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 51SL deciding the organization of the general elections on the 23/12/1945 DRV Political State formation
45-10-17   Ho Chi Minh sends a telegram to Truman protesting against the French representing Vietnam on the United Nations' Advisory Committee on Pacific Affairs DRV Political Diplomacy
45-10-22   Ho Chi Minh sends a letter to Truman presenting the situation and the goals of the DRV, requiring international recognition and joining the Declaration of Independence, Bao Dai's resignation, the DRV's communique on foreign policy and an explanatory note on its position towards the south of Vietnam DRV Political Diplomacy
45-10-23 Hanoi First accord between the Viet Minh and the non-Communist opposition parties in northern Vietnam: the Vietnam Nationalist Party (VNQDD) and the Dong Minh Hoi (DMH) Viet Minh, VNQDD, DMH, Political Opposition, Civil War, Mobilization, Elections
45-10-25 Cai Be, Mekong Delta Nam Bo territorial committee (Xu Uy Nam Bo) meeting in Thien Ho, with the return of Poulo Condor detainees, Le Duan and Ton Duc Thang Vietnamese communist, Viet Minh Political Meeting, Indochinese Communist Party, Prison
45-10-25 Cochinchina French navy encounters fierce fire fight at Go Cong French armed forces, Viet Minh Military Start of War, occupation
45-10-25 Laos French evacuate Sam Neua, located above the 16th parallel coming under Chinese occupation Laos, French Armed forces, Vietnamese communist, Viet minh Political Franco-Lao Relations, Occupation, Evacuation
45-10-28   Ho Chi Minh sends a telegram to Chiang Kaishek protesting against British support to the French and requiring international recognition of the DRV DRV Political Diplomacy
45-10-28 Laos French evacuate further posts along the Viet-Lao border such as Nape, Naphao, Tchepone Laos, French Armed forces Military Franco-Lao Relations, Occupation, Evacuation
45-10-29   Leclerc instructs Salan to organize the return of French troops in southern China to northern Indochina but without causing problems with Republic of China occupying forces French military figure Political Meeting, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China, Occuption, Withdrawal
45-10-30 Vientiane, Laos The Lao Issara holds a ceremony in Vientiane to proclaim the independence and unity of Laos. On the same day is the creation of the Lao liberation and defense army under the command of Souphanouvong Lao nationalist Political, Military Independence, Monarchy, Franco-Lao Relations, Army
45-10-31 Saigon Admiral Thierry d'Argenlieu arrives in Saigon French military figure Political, Military High Commissioner, Start of War
45-11-01   Ordination as Bishop of Mgr Le Huu Tu. No French bishop is present. Representatives of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) government attend ceremony, such as Vo Nguyen Giap, Pham Van Dong, Tran Huy Lieu, Nguyen Manh Ha as well as Bao Dai Catholic Church Social, Political Catholicism, Religion, Church, Civil War, Opposition
45-11-04 Laos Prince Phetsarath of Laos, leader of pro-independence government, deposes King Sisavangvong Lao nationalist Political Monarchy, Civil War, State Formation
45-11-06 Hanoi? Phat Diem? Meeting between Ho Chi Minh and Bishop Le Huu Tu Catholic, Viet Minh, DRV Political Meeting, Catholicism, Religion, Civil War
45-11-07 China Salan visits French troops located in southern China French armed forces Military Occupation, Sino-French Relations, Republic of China, Expeditionary Corps
45-11-08 Cochinchina The French reoccupy Tay Ninh French armed forces Military Start of War, Occupation
45-11-09   Exchange of letters between Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk and the French high commissioner Thierry d'Argenlieu Cambodian monarchy, French political figure Political Monarchy, Sihanouk, High Commissioner, Franco-Cambodian Relations
45-11-11 Hanoi Self dissolution of the Indochinese Communist Party Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political Indochinese Communist Party, Opposition, Civil War
45-11-11   The Vietnam Liberation Army becomes the National Guard PAVN Military Armed forces reorganization
45-11-13   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) circular 55VP decides to reduce by 1/4 the land tax on tenant farmers and hired laborers DRV Political, Social, Economy State formation, Tax, Peasantry, Mobilization, Land Reform, Economy, Agriculture
45-11-15   The Vietnam University gives its first class in the vernacular language, Vietnamese, and not in French DRV Social Education, Language
45-11-17   Thierry d'Argenlieu's financial advisor, François Bloch-Lainé anounces suspension of Indochina piastre 500 bill, printed after 9 March 1945 French political figure Political, Economy, Social Currency, Banking system
45-11-19   The Lao Issara formally depose the King Lao nationalist Political Monarchy, state formation, Lao Issara, Phetsarath
45-11-20 An Phu, Gia Dinh Military conference headed by Gen Nguyen Binh to divide Nam Bo into military zones PAVN Military Meeting, start of war, zones
45-11-20   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) issues instructions on land owners, tenants and peasants DRV Political, Economy, Social Land, Peasantry
45-11-20 Nha Trang, Annam The French navy reoccupies Nha Trang French armed forces Military Start of War, Occupation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
45-11-22   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 63SL to establish administrative committees and people's council at province, district and commune levels. DRV Political State formation, Center/Periphery
45-11-22   Indochinese Communist Party standing bureau issues instruction on "Resistance and National Construction" Viet Minh Political Mobilization, Insurrection, Revolution
45-11-23   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 64/SL creating the Inspectorate and the special court in order to check the work of the administrative committees and state organizations DRV Political Justice, Courts, State Formation, Administration
45-11-24   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) drafts doctors and pharmacists into the Army PAVN Social, Military Conscription, Mobilization, medicine, Health
45-11-24   Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang (VNQDD) signs a resolution expressing its "solidarity" with the Viet Minh, declares its desire to respect the resolutions of the 19/11/1945 meeting and agrees to support insurrection in the South. VNQDD, Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political VNQDD, Opposition, Elections, Civil War
45-11-25   Indochinese Communist Party Standing Bureau issues directive on resistance: Kháng chiến kiến quốc Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political Mobilization, Insurrection, Revolution
45-11-25 Phat Diem Ho Chi Minh visits Phat Diem diocese at the invitation of Mgr. Le Huu Tu Catholic, Viet Minh, DRV Political, Social Catholics, Church, Religion, Opposition
45-11-26 Hanoi A demonstration breaks out while city dwellers line up to exchange their 500 piastre bills Civilians Social Currency, Banking, Social Unrest, Economy
45-11-28 Hanoi, Tonkin Ho Chi Minh approves the creation of the Uy Ban toi cao tiep te va cuu te or the Supreme Committee for Assistance and Relief aid DRV Political, Social Famine, Food, Economy, Social Unrest
45-12-01   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)'s Ministry of Finance issues decision 76TC on the emission of Vietnamese currency. DRV Political, Economy, Social Banking system, Economy
45-12-03 Hanoi, Tonkin Opening of the first ethnic minority conference DRV Political, Social Ethnic Minorities, Highlands
45-12-03 Hanoi Ho Chi Minh addresses a letter to the members of the Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang (VNQDD) on the importance of the general elections VNQDD, Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist, DRV Political Opposition, Elections, State Formation, Civil War
45-12-05   First issue of the "Truth" journal (Báo Sự Thật) appears Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political, Social Newsprint, Media
45-12-05 Annam The French reoccupy Ban Me Thuot French armed forces Military Occupation, Start of War
45-12-10 Hanoi Franco-Chinese monetary negotiations open following the withdrawal of 500 piastre bills Chinese Nationalist, DRV Political Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China, Sino-French Relations, Currency, Finances
45-12-10   Creation Zone VII covering the upper swath of Cochinchina/Nam Bo during the first half of the Indochina war, zone VIII the middle of Cochinchina/Nam Bo and zone IX the southern part of Cochinchina/Nam Bo DRV Political, Military Administration, Zones, Start of War
45-12-11   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Ministry of Finance decides that importation of salt to go through Haiphong DRV Political, Economy Salt, Economy, Food
45-12-14   De Gaulle meets Prince Vinh San and accepts his plan for a government, unity and independence for Vietnam Vietnamese political figure, French political figure Political Independence, Unity
45-12-14 Hanoi Salan meets Lu Han and Ma Ing French military figure, Chinese Nationalist Political, Military Meeting, Sino-French Relations, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China, Occupation, Potsdam
45-12-18   Ho Chi Minh signs decree 76SL reporting the general elections to the 6/1/1946 DRV Political State formation
45-12-22   Second accord between Viet Minh and opposition parties Viet Minh, VNQDD, DMH Political VNQDD, Opposition, Elections, State Formation, Civil War
45-12-22 China Nationalist General Lu Han receives the instructions to encourage all Vietnamese supporting the Nationalist cause to rally the government Chinese Nationalist Political, Military Sino-Vietnamese Relations, Republic of China, Occupation
45-12-25   Revaluation of the piastre at 17 francs French political figure Political, Economy, Social Currency, Banking, Exchange Rate, Economy, Finances
45-12-25   Prince Vinh San flies leaves for Indochina via la Reunion island but dies in a plane crash Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, Opposition, Charles de Gaulle
45-12-26   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) circular 105/TY regulates the distribution of the cost of repairing/constructing dikes DRV Political, Social, Economy Dikes, Floods, Food, Famines, Economy, Agriculture
45-12-29   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decision 164 on the elections of local People's committee and Administrative committees DRV Political Administration, State Formation, Elections
45-12-31   French expeditionary corps numbers 46 513 men French armed forces Military Expeditionary Corps
46-01-01   United Kingdom signs accord transferring the duty of disarming the Japanese army south of the 16th parallel; France concedes privileges in Syria and Lebanon UK, French political figure Political, Military Potsdam, Occupation, Withdrawal, Franco-British Relations, Franco-Japanese Relations
46-01-04 Chunking Salan receives a memorandum according to which the Chinese 93rd division can be replaced by French Expeditionary corps in Laos French armed forces, French military figure, Chinese nationalist Political, Military Potsdam, Occupation, Franco-Chinese Accords, Sino-French Accords, Withdrawal
46-01-06   First Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) elections boycotted by nationalist opposition, Dong Minh Hoi(DMH) and Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang (VNQDD) DRV, Viet Minh, VNQDD, DMH Political Elections, State Formation, Opposition, Civil War
46-01-07   Franco-Cambodian modus vivendi reached, according Cambodia autonomy within the French Union Cambodian monarchy, French political figure Political Franco-Cambodian Relations
46-01-08 China General Salan sent to China to discuss replacement of Chinese troops by French. French armed forces Official, France, Chinese Nationalist, Political, Military Potsdam, Occupation, Withdrawal, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China
46-01-14   Ho Chi Minh sends a telegram to the USSR, US and Chinese representatives at the United Nations and insists on the need for international recognition of Vietnamese independence DRV Political Diplomacy
46-01-15   Ho Chi Minh signs a decree nationalizing the railway between Hai Phong and Yunnan to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political, Economy Communications, Transportation, Railway, Economy
46-01-16   Agreement between the Republic of China and the French allowing French troops in China to return to Laos above the 16th parallel French armed forces, Chinese nationalist Political, Military Potsdam, Occupation, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China
46-01-20 Paris General de Gaulle resigns and retires to Colombey-les-Deux Eglises. France, French political figure Political Charles de Gaulle
46-01-24   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Decree 11SL organizing the People's administration in large towns DRV Political State formation, Center/Periphery
46-01-25 Annam French armed forces launch operation Gaur to reoccupy Annam below the 16th parallel French armed forces Military Start of War, Occupation
46-01-26 Dalat? D'Argenlieu creates the Groupement d'écoute radioelectrique de l'Indochine French political figure Political, Social Radio, Communication, Intelligence, High Commissioner
46-01-30   DRV creation of the Central Office for Sports DRV Political, Social Education
46-01-31   DRV issues bank notes South of the 16th parallel, which will be introduced to the Center and the North by August and circulating across the country by the end of 1946 DRV Political, Economy, Social Banking system, Economy, Currency
46-02-04 Mekong Delta French complete the reoccupation of the Mekong Delta by reaching Ca Mau French armed forces Military Potsdam, Occupation, Start of War, Mekong
46-02-06 Cochinchina, Annam Leclerc declares the completion of the pacification of Cochinchina and South Annam below the 16th parallel French political figure Military Pacification, Start of War, Occupation
46-02-10 Hanoi The Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang (VNQDD) celebrates the anniversary of the 1930 Yen Bay insurrection VNQDD Political VNQDD, Opposition, Civil War, Demonstration
46-02-16   Ho Chi Minh sends a letter to President Truman claiming that "France which is the country which betrayed both the Allies and Vietnam, has returned and is carrying out a destructive war..." DRV, USA Political Vietnamese-American Relations, Ho Chi Minh, Truman
46-02-16   Ho Chi Minh meets Sainteny to discuss the return of French forces and the possible entry of Vietnam into the Indochinese Federation and French Union DRV, Vietnamese political figure, French military figure Political Meeting, Sainteny, Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-02-17   D'Argenlieu leaves for Paris in order to defend his project of an Indochinese Federation to the new provisional government of Felix Gouin French military figure Political Arrival, Debate, Parliament
46-02-18   DRV sends a diplomatic note to the Chinese, US, USSR and British governements on its interpretation of the San Francisco declaration DRV Political Diplomacy
46-02-21 Hanoi, Tonkin Demonstration organized by Phan Huy Dan demanding the return of Bao Dai to power Vietnamese political figure Political Opposition, Demonstration, social unrest, monarchy
46-02-21   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 23 unifies all security and police forces under the Ministry of Interior DRV Political, Social Police, State Formation, Opposition, Civil War, Sino-Vietnamese Relations, VNQDD
46-02-24   Under Chinese pressure, Ho Chi Minh agrees to create national coalition government Viet Minh, VNQDD, Vietnamese communists Political Parliament, Opposition, State Formation
46-02-25   Meeting of the Viet Minh, Vietnam Democratic party, VNQDD, and DMH to discuss three issues: 1) the organization of the resistance front, 2) creating a resistance committee, 3) creating a national advisory group Viet Minh, VNQDD, Vietnamese communists Political Parliament, Opposition, State Formation
46-02-28 Chunking, China French accord with Republic of China allowing French to replace the Chinese in Indochina above the 16th parallel in exchange for French abandoning concessions in China and and allowing China free port status in Haiphong French armed forces, France, Chinese Nationalist, Political, Military Reoccupation, Accord
46-03-02   First session of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)'s National Assembly is held, Ho Chi Minh is elected president and charge to form a government. DRV, Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist, Opposition Political Parliament, Elections, Opposition, State formation
46-03-06 Hanoi, Tonkin Franco-Viet Minh accord signed by Ho Chi Minh, Vu Hong Khanh and Jean Sainteny which stipulates: 1) Recognition by France of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) as a "free state" within the French Union, 2) organization of a referendum on the reunion of the 3 ky (Tonkin, Annam and Cochinchina) 3) Entry of French troops into Hanoi and establishment of combined Franco-Vietnamese garrison in northern centers for a limited time-period DRV, French armed forces, France Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, French Union, Indochinese Federation, Occupation
46-03-06 Haiphong, Tonkin French ships arrive off Haiphong, violent encounter with Chinese forces French armed forces, France Military Reoccupation
46-03-07 Hanoi The Franco-Vietnamese accords are made public. In the afternoon they organize a meeting on a Theater square in order to justify their action. 200 000 people attend DRV, French political figure . Civilians Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-03-09   The Indochinese Communist Party's Standing Bureau issues the policy "of peace in order to advance" (Hoa de tien) Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political Party discipline
46-03-17   Opening of the Bac Son politico-military school, responsible for the education of the military and party officials Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political Party discipline
46-03-18 Hanoi Arrival of General Leclerc's troops. First meeting between Leclerc and Ho Chi Minh. French war prisoners of Hanoi Citadel (held there since 9 March 1945) are rearmed and form 3e bataillon de marche (9e R.I.C., 19e R.I.C., and 5e R.E.I.) French military figure, French armed forces Political, Military Prisoners of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Expeditionary Corps
46-03-21 Thakhek Fighting breaks out in Thakhek, Laos, as French forces occupy areas areas above the 16th parallel French armed forces Military Potsdam, Lao Issara, Franco-Lao Relations, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of War
46-03-24 Ha Long, Tonkin Meeting in Ha Long Bay between Ho Chi Minh and High Commissioner Admiral Georges Thierry D'Argenlieu DRV, French military figure Political Meeting, Negotiations
46-03-25 Hanoi Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Decree 34/SL on the organization of the Ministry of National Defense DRV Political, Military State Formation, Armed forces organization
46-03-26 Tourane, Annam French navy lands in Tourane (Nha Trang) French armed forces Military Occupation, Start of War
46-03-28 Chunking?, China Signing of the Sino-French Treaty authorizing French troops to replace withdrawing Chinese ones French armed forces Official, France, Chinese Nationalist, Political, Military Potsdam, Occupation, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China, Withdrawal
46-03-29   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Decree 40SL on individual liberties, regulating procedures of arrests and custody as well as a prohibition on the use of torture DRV Political, Social Police
46-03-31   French expeditionary corps numbers 81 383 men French armed forces Military Expeditionary Corps
46-04-01 Tonkin Official replacement of Chinese troops by their French counterparts begins. French armed forces Official, France, Chinese Nationalist, Political, Military Potsdam, March Accords, Withdrawal, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China
46-04-03   Salan signs an accord with Vo Nguyen Giap on the stationing of French and Vietnamese troops French armed forces, PAVN Military Occupation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-04-05   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) issues decree 46 and others forbidding the circulation of Indochinese piastre printed after the 6 March 1946 without government authorization DRV Political, Economy, Social Currency, Banking, Economy, Finances, State Formation
46-04-10   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Decree 48SL on the "Contributions for the National Defense" DRV Political, Economy, Social Mobilization, Insurrection, Revolution
46-04-10 Ba Queo, Saigon, Cochinchina General Nguyen Binh attempts to reform the Unified National Front with Hoa Hao, Cao Dai and Binh Xuyen forces Vietnamese military figure, Vietnamese political figure, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, Binh Xuyen Political, Military State Formation, Military Affairs, Opposition, Religion, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, Binh Xuyen, Viet Minh
46-04-12 Luang Prabang Republic of China troops evacuate Luang Prabang Chinese nationalist Military Sino-Lao Relations, Occupation, Withdrawal, Potsdam
46-04-15   DRV creation of the Tran Quoc Tuan military academy, responsible for the formation of officers in the army, the first class opens the 26/5/1946 in Son Tay DRV, PAVN Military Armed forces formation
46-04-16   Creation of the DRV's military medicine branch PAVN Social, Military Medicine, Health, Hygiene, Doctors
46-04-16 France DRV National Assembly delegation goes to France at the invitation of the French National Assembly DRV Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-04-17 Cochinchina French reoccupation of Poulo Condor prison French armed forces Military Prisons, Occupation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-04-17 Dalat, Annam Opening of the Dalat conference French political figure, DRV Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-04-19 Pleiku, Annam Ethnic Minorities conference in the South DRV Political Mobilization, Insurrection, Revolution
46-04-19 Cochinchina General Nguyen Binh gives instructions to attack on all fronts in order to support the position of the DRV delegation at the Dalat conference PAVN Military Battle
46-04-20 Vientiane, Laos The Republic of China's 93rd division evacuates Vientiane Chinese Nationalist Military Potsdam, Laos, Franco-Chinese Relations, Occupation, Withdrawal, Lao Issara
46-04-22 Hanoi Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 52/SL guaranteeing the freedom of association, under the condition that such activities do not harm national interest or security DRV Political State Formation, Police, Justice
46-04-23 Dalat, Annam Pham Ngoc Thach arrives secretly in Dalat and makes a declaration at the Dalat talks, arrested by the French Vietnamese communist, Viet Minh Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-04-25 Ventiane, Laos French enter Vientiane. Flight of Lao Issara leaders and government to Thailand French armed forces, Lao nationalist Military Occupation, Franco-Lao Relations, Thailand, Lao Issara
46-04-29 Haiphong, Tonkin Repatriation of Japanese troops from Indochina above the 16th parallel begins Japanese Army Military Prisoners of War, Japanese, Repatriation
46-04-30 Cochinchina Repatriation of Japanese troops from Indochina below the 16th parallel begins Japanese army Military Prisoners of War, Japanese, Repatriation
46-05-01   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) issues decree 47/SL on the organization of the Army's general staff, defining its role as a commander of the national army and the popular militia DRV Military Armed forces organization
46-05-08   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Decree 64SL creating Labor offices, responsible for the defense of workers' rights, mediating employers-workers relationships and monitoring the implementation of labor related legislation DRV Political, Economy, Social Labor, Economy
46-05-12 Laos French Republic Commissioner announces to Prince Savangvatthana the French desire to recognize a unified Laos under the monarchy French political figure, Laos Political Monarchy, State Formation
46-05-16   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) call for a "Resistance participation fund" requiring citizen to each contribute for 10 days of military operation costs. DRV Political, Economy, Social Mobilization, Insurrection, Revolution
46-05-19 Annam D'Argenlieu declares the autonomous zone for the Population montagnardes du Sud-Indochinois (PMSI) French political figure, ethnic minorities Political Ethnic Minorities, Highlands
46-05-22   Decree renaming the National Guard as the Vietnam National Army. However, 'National Guards' remains the most common denomination unti the 1951 naming of People's Army of Vientam. PAVN, DRV Political, Military Armed forces organization
46-05-25   Opening of the first class at the Tran Quoc Tuan military academy PAVN Military Armed forces training, recruitment
46-05-27   DRV conference of worker representatives, creating a general labor union DRV Political, Economy, Social Labor, Economy
46-05-27   Creation of the Lien Viet (Hoi Lien Hiep Quoc Dan Viet Nam) Viet Minh Political Mass organization, Viet Minh, State Formation
46-05-31   Ho Chi Minh visits France at the invitation of the governement DRV Political Diplomacy, Franco-Vietnamese relations
46-06-01   Proclamation of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Cochinchina autonomous republic Military Political Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, Government of South Vietnam, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-06-01   General Leclerc recalled to France and replaced by General Valluy French Military figure Military Political Armed forces reorganization
46-06-12   French issue decree suppressing the sale of opium French political figure Political, Economy Drug, Budget
46-06-13 France Ho Chi Minh arrives in Biarritz, France, pending formation of a new government in Paris DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-06-17   Republic of China troops begin evacuating northern Indochina Chinese Nationalist Military Potsdam, Occupation, Withdrawal, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China
46-06-26 Hanoi Chinese troops headquarters leave Hanoi Chinese Nationalist Military, Political Arrival
46-07-02   Ho Chi Minh is officially received in France by Georges Bidault, new French prime minister DRV, French political figure Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-07-04   General Valluy writes to Vo Nguyen Giap and proposes military collaboration and training. Another letter is sent on 19/7/1946 French armed forces, PAVN Military Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-07-06 Fontainebleau, France Fontainebleau conference opens. Pham Van Dong deplores the French creation of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina and accuses France of violating the 6 March Accord DRV, French political figure Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-07-08 Lang Son, Tonkin Chinese troops withdraw from Langson Chinese Nationalist Military Potsdam, Occupation, Withdrawal, Franco-Chinese Relations, Republic of China
46-07-11   Relations between the Viet Minh/Indochinese Communist Party and the opposition parties deteriorate rapidly and civil war breaks out in Hanoi and the provinces (On Nhu Hau affair) Dai Viet, Viet Minh, Vietnamese communist Political Opposition, Civil War
46-07-13 Cochinchina Nguyen Van Tam and Cedile sign agreement to create the Police Nationale Cochinchinoise for the Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Cochinchina autonomous republic, France Political Republic of Cochinchina, Police
46-07-22 Hanoi Creation of the Vietnamese Socialist Party Vietnamese political figure Political Socialism
46-08-01 Dalat, Annam Second Dalat Conference organized by Thierry d'Argenlieu to advance his Indochina Federation project Vietnamese political figure, French military figure Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Republic of Cochinchina, Indochina Federation
46-08-06 Bac Ninh, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) attack on a French convoy. The Bac Ninh Incident DRV, French armed forces Military Battle
46-08-10   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Decree 146SL describing the guiding principles of its education policy: harmonizing all people, all ethnic groups and all knowledge under the nation and democracy DRV Political, Social Education
46-08-19   Celebration of the First anniversary of the August 1945 Revolution DRV Political, Social  
46-08-21   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) interdiction of exporting metal, cars and car parts DRV Political, Economy Mobilization
46-08-22 Cochinchina Pham Cong Tac allowed to return from Madagascar to Cochinchina on the condition that he work with the French and their partners Cao Dai, French armed forces, Opposition Political, Military Opposition, Religion, Cao Dai, Opposition, Civil War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-08-23   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 162 allows the Ministry of Defense to mobilize a larger number of doctors, pharmacists and nurses than the previous decree (24/11/1945) DRV Social, Military Medicine, Health, mobilization, Hygiene
46-08-25   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) first conference of teachers, discussing education policies DRV Social Education
46-08-27 Paris Franco-Lao modus vivendi signed, according Laos autonomy within the French Union French political figure, Lao nationalist Political French Union, Franco-Lao Relations, Indochina Federation
46-08-31   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 154 defines the issuance and circulation of its currency in areas above the 16th parallel DRV Political, Economy, Social Currency, Banking, Economy, Finances, State Formation
46-09-01 Phnom Penh, Cambodia First elections of a national assembly since Sihanouk abrogated the absolute monarchy, establishes universal suffrage. Cambodian nationalist Political State formation, Elections, Sihanouk, Franco-Cambodian Relations
46-09-16 Paris Modus vivendi signed between Ho Chi Minh and Marius Moutet, back-dated to 15 September DRV, diplomacy Political Autonomy, French Union
46-10-13 France Adoption by referendum of the French Fourth Republic 's constitution French politics Political French Fourth Republic, Politics
46-10-18   Thierry d'Argenlieu-Ho Chi Minh meeting DRV Vietnamese military figure Political Meeting, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-10-19 Hanoi All Country Military Meeting held by the Indochinese Communist Party (ICP) Vietnamese Communist, Cambodian Communist, Lao Communist, Viet Minh Political Meeting, Military Affairs
46-10-20   Creation of the Vietnam Women's Union DRV Political, Social Women
46-10-20   Ho Chi Minh returns to Hanoi by boat DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-10-28   DRV National Assembly reconvenes to debate policy and agree on a constitution. Adjourns on 9 November DRV Political State formation
46-10-31   Provisional cease fire implemented in Cochinchina and South Annam   Political Cease fire, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-11-01 Hanoi Creation of the Academy for Military Medicine in Hanoi PAVN, DRV Social, Military Medicine, Health, Hygiene, Education
46-11-10 Saigon Dr. Nguyen Van Thinh commits suicide Opposition Political  
46-11-17   Treaty of Washington signed by which Thailand returns territories taken from French Cambodia and Laos in 1941 Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, French political figure Political Territory, Border
46-11-18   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)'s Defense ministry decision over the military stipend: 180 dong for food and 5 dong for miscellanous expenses each month PAVN, DRV Political, Economy, Social  
46-11-20 Lang Son, Tonkin Clash leading to full French occupation of Langson French armed forces Political Occupation, Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-11-20 Haiphong, Tonkin Clash leading to the full French occupation of Haiphong under colonel Debès French armed forces Political Occupation
46-11-20   Conclusion of Franco-Cambodian accord allowing Cambodia to operate its own army, the Forces armées royales khmères (FARK) Cambodia Military, Political Armed forces formation, Franco-Cambodian Relations
46-11-23   First assembly of the Vietnam Red Cross, chaired by Ho Chi Minh DRV Political, Social Health
46-11-24   First All Country Culture Assembly DRV Political, Social Mobilization
46-11-28 Paris, France Bidault government resigns (but Bidault remains as head of caretaker government). France, French political figure Political French policy
46-11-29 Paris, France Cominindo meeting to prepare instructions for High Commissioner. France, French political figure Political French policy
46-11-29 Paris, France Barjot report: stresses that Cochinchina, not Tonkin, is key priority French armed forces Military French policy
46-12-02 Hanoi, Tonkin Sainteny returns to Hanoi; met by Giap at airport French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-03 Hanoi, Tonkin Sainteny meets with Ho Chi Minh French Military figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-03 Hanoi Second Ethnic minorities assembly DRV Political Mobilization
46-12-03 France Sainteny reports to Valluy in Saigon that Ho Chi Minh seeks to avoid violent and complete break with French. French Military figure Political HCM, negotiation
46-12-04 Da Nang, Annam Foreign Legion battalion lands in Da Nang, without consulting the DRV. French armed forces Military Arrival, French Legion
46-12-05 Paris, France French Communist Party (FCP) candidate Maurice Thorez nominated for presidency but refused by National Assembly French Political figure, FCP Political French Communist Party
46-12-05 Hanoi, Tonkin Sainteny warns superiors that Ho Chi Minh is biding time, awaiting creation of new government in France. French military figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-05 Paris?, France Leclerc memo stresses need for Ho Chi Minh government to be allowed to save "face". French military figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-06   Abbot Low Moffat, head of theSoutheast Asian Division of the U.S. Department of State arrives in Hanoi and meets with DRV leaders, including Ho Chi Minh USA, DRV Political Diplomacy, Meeting
46-12-06 Tonkin Ho Chi Minh addresses radio appeal to French National Assembly DRV Political Ho Chi Minh, Communications, Radio, French policy
46-12-06 Saigon, Cochinchina Formation of Le Van Hoach government in the Republic of Cochinchina following the suicide of Nguyen Van Thinh. Rival candidate, Colonel Nguyen Van Xuan, had left for Paris. Cochinchina Political State formation, Republic of Cochinchina, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-06 France Valluy warns Paris to be ready for further military action. French military figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-07 Cochinchina Le Van Hoach formally inaugurated as second president of the Republic of Cochinchina. Declares his position will be neither separatist nor pro-Unionist, but aimed at promoting Cochinchina for the Cochinchinese Cochinchina Political State formation, Saigon
46-12-09 Tonkin Ho Chi Minh replies to High Commissioner's letter of 26 November 1946. DRV Political Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-10 France Article written by Socialist Léon Blum (before his election) appears in party newspaper Le Populaire: speaks of "sincere agreement on the basis of independence". French political figure Political French metropole, cabinet, newsprint
46-12-12 Paris, France Léon Blum is elected by the French National Assembly to form a new government French political figure Political French metropole, cabinet, election, parliament
46-12-12   Nomination of Pham Van Bach to head the Nam Bo territorial committee Vietnamese communist, Viet Minh Political Administration, State Formation
46-12-13 Paris, France Blum forms socialist cabinet as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. French political figure Political French metropole, cabinet
46-12-14 Paris, France Cominindo hears Colonel Le Puloch's case for direct and immediate military action in Indochina French armed forces Military  
46-12-15 Tonkin Ho Chi Minh sends message to Léon Blum suggesting new peace initiatives, but message delayed in transit (by French in Indochina) and does not reach Paris until after wars breaks out DRV Political Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Negotiations
46-12-16 Paris, France Blum invested as Prime Minister. 1st attempt at government of National Unity fails, when French Communist Party (FCP) insists on having a major ministry. French political figure, FCP Political Metropolitan France, cabinet, PCF
46-12-16 Haiphong, Tonkin Valluy summons Sainteny, Morlière, Debès to secret meeting. French armed forces Military Meeting
46-12-17 Paris, France Vote of confidence in Blum cabinet. Moutet maintains his position at the head of the Overseas France Ministry French political figure Political French metropole, cabinet
46-12-18 Paris, France First meeting of new French Council of Ministers decides to send Moutet, Minister of Overseas France and admiral d'Argenlieu, to Indochina immediately French political figure Political French policy
46-12-18 Paris, France Blum sounds out Leclerc about going to Saigon. Leclerc makes conditions French political Figure Political French policy
46-12-18 France Valluy finally transmits Ho Chi Minh 1946-12-15 letter to Paris, attaching his comments French political figure Political Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-18   Ho Chi Minh sends another telegram to Blum DRV Political Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-18 Hanoi, Tonkin French troops occupy Vietnamese Headquarters of Ministry of Finance and Communications Bureau French armed forces Military Occupation, Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-18 Hadong, Tonkin Beginning of the Indochinese Communist Party's Van Phuc meeting Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political Meeting, Party
46-12-19 Paris, France High Commissioner d'Argenlieu replies to Ho Chi Minh's letter of 12 December French military figure Political Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-19 Hanoi, Tonkin Sainteny calls for the disarming of DRV militia in and around Hanoi French military figure Military Sainteny, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-19 Hanoi, Tonkin Hoang Minh Giam seeks out Sainteny with Ho Chi Minh reply to French, but Sainteny was only willing to meet the next morning DRV Political Correspondence
46-12-19 Hanoi suburbs, Tonkin Ho Chi Minh issues call for national resistance - Loi keu goi toan quoc khang chien. Broadcast by radio the following day. DRV Political Radio, Start of the War, Mobilization
46-12-19 Nam Dinh, Tonkin Viet Minh sabotage Hanoi electricity station as signal to attack. Commanders authorized to attack in other DRV held cities located above the 16th parallel while Nguyen Binh goes on the attack in the south to hold down French forces DRV Military City, Start of the War
46-12-19 Hanoi, Tonkin General Morlière demands disarming of militia but refuses to see Hoang Minh Giam; Morlière refutes Hoang Huu Nam's 16 December 1946 complaint about French provocations; Morlière replies to Vo Nguyen Giap's 16 December 1946 letter, justifying French presence on grounds of Chinese piracy along border French military figure Military Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of War
46-12-19 Hanoi, Tonkin Full-scale war in Indochina begins Viet Minh Military Start of War
46-12-19 Paris, France D'Argenlieu meeting with Blum French military figure Political French policy, Start of War
46-12-19   Charles Aeschlimann travels to Vietnam on behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross French armed forces, DRV, ICRC Social, Military War prisoner, international law, Red Cross
46-12-20 Hanoi, Tonkin Vo Nguyen Giap, Tran Quoc Hoan, Hoang Van Thai tour battle area around Hanoi Vietnamese military figure Military City, Battle of Hanoi
46-12-20 Paris, France Outrage expressed in French parliament and press over Vietnamese attacks. Moutet announces he will leave for Indochina to try to reestablish conditions of a politique d'accord. French politics Political French policy, public opinion
46-12-20 Paris, France D'Argenlieu departs for Saigon. French military figure Political High Commissioner, Start of War
46-12-20 Paris, France Ho Chi Minh congratulation letter to Blum deciphered. DRV Political Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-20 Paris, France Blum cables Ho Chi Minh, calling for ceasefire. French political figure Political Ho Chi Minh, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-21 Paris, France Blum speech to Assembly: desires free Viet Nam within an Indochinese Federation and freely associated with the French Union. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-22 Paris, France Leclerc called in by Blum and asked to go to Indochina on a fact finding mission for government. French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
46-12-22 Ha Dong?, Tonkin Indochinese Communist Party Standing Bureau issues directive on All-country Resistance: Chi thi cua Ban Thuong Vu Trung Uong Dang "Toan dan Khang chien" Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political Start of War, Indochinese Communist Party
46-12-22 Paris, France Moutet leaves for Saigon. French political figure Political French Policy, Start of the War
46-12-22 Paris, France Laurentie writes to de Gaulle, introducing Cochinchinese Vice-President, Nguyen Van Xuan, and saying Hanoi events should be seen as a great political opportunity. Cochinchina Political State formation, recognition
46-12-23 Paris, France Blum speech to French Assembly - justifies use of force in Indochina since the responsibility for outbreak of hostilities lay with Viet Minh. Blum announces Moutet and Leclerc will be sent on inspection missions. French political figure Political French policy, start of the war
46-12-23 Saigon, Cochinchina Thierry d'Argenlieu returns to Indochina French military figure Political High Commissioner, Start of War
46-12-23 Hanoi, Tonkin Sainteny returns to General Governor's palace. French military figure Political Sainteny, Start of the War
46-12-25 Nanking, China Nguyen Tuong Tam announces imminent formation of a "national Vietnamese government", which will appeal to Republic of China and United States to end conflict in Viet Nam. Vietnamese political figure Political State formation, Nhat Linh, Opposition
46-12-26 Tonkin Phu-Lang-Thuong relieved by French force. French armed forces Military Occupation, Start of the War
46-12-26 Saigon, Cochinchina Moutet arrives in Indochina French political figure Political French policy, Moutet
46-12-26 Ha Dong, Tonkin Viet Nam radio announces Ho Chi Minh in Ha Dong. DRV Political Radio, Communications
46-12-27 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Cambodian King and Assembly give reception for Moutet. Cambodian royalty Political Meeting, Franco-Cambodian Relations
46-12-28 Hanoi area, Tonkin DRV general headquarters assessment of battle around Hanoi DRV, PAVN Military City, Battle of Hanoi
46-12-28 Hanoi (symbolic only), Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) temporary suspension of all Peoples' Committee and Administrative Committee elections. DRV Political State formation, Administration
46-12-28 Hanoi (symbolic only), Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Resistance Zone Committees empowered to decide on prisoner release or sentence reduction. DRV Political State formation, Justice, Law
46-12-28 Hanoi (symbolic only), Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Joint Circular by Ministries of Defense and of Interior on organizing government machinery in special situations DRV Political Industry, Mobilization
46-12-29 Saigon, Cochinchina Meeting between Moutet and d'Argenlieu. French political igure, French military figure Political French policy
46-12-29   Viet Nam radio announces Ho Chi Minh had sent a message to Blum, expressing satisfaction with arrival of Moutet, but insisting on return of French troops to their 17 December 1946 positions. DRV Political Radio
46-12-30 Hanoi, Tonkin High Commissioner Thierry d'Argenlieu enters General Governor's palace and cables satisfaction to Sarraut, famous French Govenor General in 1910s French political figure Political Correspondence
46-12-31 Hanoi (symbolic only), Tonkin Decree establishing the central committee in charge of the evacuation of people at the provincial, district and village levels (Uy ban tan cu trung uong va cac tinh, phu, huyen, xa). Bui Bang Doan becomes its chairman on 22 January 1947 Start of War, Evacuation, Migration, City Political Social, relocation, evacuation
46-12-31   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) transforms the Administrative Committees (Uy ban hanh chinh) into resistance ones (Uy ban khang chien hanh chinh). State Formation, Administration Political State formation, Center/Periphery
46-12-31   Ho Chi Minh letter to Moutet proposing immediate halt to fighting and a meeting. Never delivered. Franco-Vietnamese Relations Political Correspondence
46-12-31   French Expeditionary Corps numbers 96,644 men Expeditionary Corps Military Arrival
47-01-01   Ho Chi Minh message expresses goodwill towards the French, and President's desire to meet Moutet in Vietnam DRV Political Correspondence
47-01-01   The AFP reports that Moutet only visiting Hanoi to investigate the situation and not to enter into diplomatic discussions. French political figure Political Arrival
47-01-02 Hanoi, Tonkin Moutet travels to Hanoi and tours war damaged areas French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War
47-01-02 Saigon?, Cochinchina D'Argenlieu tells France-Soir reporter that it is now be impossible to deal with Ho Chi Minh French military figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, High Commissioner
47-01-03 Son La, Tonkin French seize Son La French armed forces Military Start of War, Occupation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-04 Paris, France Pignon signs secret position paper arguing against further negotiations with Ho Chi Minh government. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-05 Nha Trang, Annam Moutet visits Nha Trang and meets Leclerc French political figure Political French Armed forces, French policy
47-01-06   DRV Declaration on the Franco-Viet Nam Conflict DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-06 Saigon, Cochinchina Moutet and Messmer receive copy of Morliere report of 4 December 1946. French political figure Military Report, Correspondence
47-01-06 Saigon, Cochinchina Moutet tells press conference that he now possessed absolute proof of DRV premeditation in 19 December attack. French political figure Political Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-06 Saigon, Cochinchina Morlière learns that Leclerc will relieve him and demands to see Moutet. French military figure Political French Armed forces reorganization
47-01-07   French armored column links up with opposite number from Hai Duong and signals reopening of Hanoi-Haiphong road (Route Coloniale no. 5). French armed forces Military Communication, Transportation
47-01-07   DRV creates the Capital's regiment (trung doan thu do) during the battle of Hanoi PAVN Military City, Battle of Hanoi
47-01-07   Ho Chi Minh addresses a letter to the French government, national assembly and to the people of France explaining the DRV position DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-08   Pham Cong Tac signs agreement allying Cao Dai with the French in the war against the DRV in southern Vietnam. Cao Dai, DRV Military Religion, Civil War
47-01-08 Saigon, Cochinchina Leclerc report on situation in Indochina stresses that only solution is political, but it must be accompanied by military strength. French military figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War
47-01-08 Saigon, Cochinchina Moutet departs for Paris. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-08   Voice of Vietnam radio blames Moutet for failure to open negotaitions between France and DRV DRV Political Radio, Media, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-08 Paris, France Minister of Overseas France takes over Cominindo and immediately phases it out Metropolitan France Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-09   Hoang Minh Giam conveys to French Ho Chi Minh's memorandum of 12 December 1946 DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-11 Saigon?, Cochinchina Chinese Consul General delivers Ho Chi Minh's letter of 3 January 1947, addressed Moutet, to French authorities in Hanoi. Moutet had already departed. DRV Political Correspondence
47-01-11   Voice of Vietnam radio announces the general mobilization of material, popular, and moral forces in the struggle for independence. DRV Political Radio, Media, Mobilization
47-01-12 Ha Tay, Tonkin Opening of the First All country military conference, discussing attacks on the ennemy's supply lines PAVN Military Start of War
47-01-12 Paris, France Leclerc returns to Paris and submits report to Blum. Blum proposes assigning the command of army in Indochina to Leclerc. French military figure Political Arrival, Report, Military reorganization
47-01-12   DRV issues regulations on employment of public servants during the resistance period. DRV Political State formation, Civil servants
47-01-12 Paris, France Leclerc makes oral report to Blum. French military figure Political Report, Correspondence
47-01-13 Hanoi, Tonkin First French military convoy completes Hanoi-Haiphong trip. Thereafter 20 trucks a day keep Hanoi supplied. Battle of Hanoi continues. French armed forces Military Transportation, Communications
47-01-13 Saigon, Cochinchina Thierry d'Argenlieu proposes to Paris new steps to develop Cochinchinese autonomy. Asks permission to convene 3rd Dalat Conference. Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Political State formation, autonomy
47-01-14 Saigon, Cochinchina Thierry d'Argenlieu proposes, in memo to Blum, restoration of ex-emperor Bao Dai; sends envoy to Hong Kong to sound out Bao Dai. Overseas Vietnamese, Monarchy Political Correspondence, Monarchy, Bao Dai
47-01-14 Saigon, Cochinchina D'Argenlieu writes to de Gaulle expressing satisfaction that Moutet did not contact Ho Chi Minh. D'Argenlieu advocates full break with the DRV. French military figure Political Correspondence
47-01-15 Hanoi, Tonkin Franco-DRV truce brokered by Chinese, British and American consuls allows more than 6,000 Vietnamese and Chinese civilians to evacuate Hanoi. French political figure, DRV Political City, Battle of Hanoi, Start of War
47-01-15   Circular drafted by Pignon's office released by d'Argenlieu: prohibited the use of the term "Vietnam", in favor of the colonial terms "Annam", "Tonkin", and "Cochinchina". French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-15 Viet Bac, Tonkin Indochinese Communist Party Central Executive committee meeting, insists on the need for increased production and self sufficiency Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Meeting
47-01-16   Ho Chi Minh issues call to "Destroy in Order to Resist" (Pha hoai de khang chien) Viet Minh Political Mobilization
47-01-16 Paris, France Vincent Auriol becomes President of the Fourth Republic. Blum resigns. French political figure Political French politics
47-01-17 Hai Van, Danang, Annam Battle of Hai Van Pass lasting for three days PAVN Military Battle
47-01-17 Paris, France Auriol asks socialist Paul Ramadier to form 1st government of the 4th Republic French political figure Political French politics
47-01-20 Hanoi, Tonkin Indochinese Communist Party leaders Tran Quoc Hoan and Le Quang Dao infiltrate center of Hanoi to consult and bolster morale. Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political City, Battle of Hanoi, Start of War
47-01-21 Saigon, Cochinchina Pignon signs his report on political conditions in Indochina French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-21 Paris, France Ramadier (socialist) invested by parliament. Declares in inaugural speech that he is not necessarily against union of 3 Ky or independence of Viet Nam within French Union French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
47-01-21   Joint DRV conference of the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Health in Viet Bac and decision to nominate liaison officers in order to coordinate military and civilian medicine DRV, PVA Military, Social medicine, health, mobilization, start of war
47-01-22 Paris, France Ramadier forms his government. French political figure Political French politics
47-01-24 Hanoi (symbolic only), Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) empowerment of Presidents of Zone, Province and District Resistance Committees to confiscate and requisition fixed and movable assets. DRV Political State formation, Mobilization
47-01-25 Tonkin French take town of Hai Duong French armed forces Military Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-01-27 Paris, France Ramadier calls in Leclerc. 1947-01-28 Leclerc receives letter asking him to reconsider views on High Commissioner-ship. French political figure Political Correspondence
47-01-29 Hanoi, Tonkin DRV establishes procedure for prosecuting high-level civil servants in the government, administrative and legal offices DRV Political Justice, State formation
47-01-29 Hanoi, Tonkin DRV allows Zonal Resistance Committees (Uy Ban Khang Chien Khu) to establish and organize military courts DRV Political Justice, Military law, State formation
47-01-31 Hanoi, Tonkin Morlière learns of his imminent recall. French military figure Political City, Battle of Hanoi, Start of War
47-02-01 Saigon, Cochinchina Federal ordinance accords greater powers to Le Van Hoach government for the Autonomous Republic of Cochinchina. Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-03 UK The Times, London, reports that Nguyen Manh Ha had declined d'Argenlieu's offer "to become a Northern Nguyen Van Thinh" Vietnamese political figure Political Catholics, Opposition, Religion
47-02-03   DRV censorship regime applied for newspapers and printed products, based on three 1946 decrees DRV Social Media, Communications, Censorship, State Formation
47-02-03   DRV prohibition of import and export of all goods until further notice. DRV Economy Foreign Trade, Economy
47-02-03 Saigon?, Cochinchina Nguyen Van Xuan asks Moutet to conclude a treaty between France and the Republic of Cochinchina, recognizing it as a sovereign state. Vietnamese political figure, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, State Formation
47-02-04 Saigon, Cochinchina D'Argenlieu requests affirmation that French government will not deal with Ho Chi Minh. French military figure Political Correspondence
47-02-05 Saigon, Cochinchina D'Argenlieu expands powers of Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina government, without seeking approval from Paris. French military figure, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, State Formation, High Commissioner
47-02-06 Hanoi, Tonkin Under colonel Debès (replaces Morlière), French mount new attacks on DRV positions inside Hanoi. French armed forces Military City, Battle of Hanoi, Start of War
47-02-06 Paris, France Ramadier and Moutet inform Auriol of d'Argenlieu's resignation. Auriol agrees. French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-07 Hue, Annam French garrison at Hue relieved by French reinforcements from Da Nang after 46 day siege by DRV forces French armed forces Military Battle, Siege
47-02-10 Paris, France Morlière submits report on Indochina French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-10 Hanoi?, Tonkin Valluy memorandum: before any negotiations, DRV must be defeated, Cochinchina must be pacified, then a major offensive on the DRV in the north French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-10   Ho Chi Minh visits Phat Diems again, Mgr Le Huu Tu assures him of his support Catholic, DRV Political, Social Arrival, Alliance
47-02-11   Leclerc turns down government request to return to Indochina (though date unclear). French military figure Political Report, Correspondence
47-02-12   D'Argenlieu requests authorization to capture the DRV government. French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-12   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree 16SL creating the popular militia bureau DRV Political, Military Mobilization
47-02-14 Hanoi, Tonkin French attack Dong Xuan market area, but driven back. French armed forces Military City, Battle of Hanoi, Start of War
47-02-15   Indochinese Communist Party First all country political cadre conference reasserting the primacy of the party within the military, across the chain of command, and in organizing the popular militia. Issues 12 principles of popular mobilization and the 10 duties of political education within the military Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political, Military Party discipline
47-02-16 Hanoi, Tonkin Chinese consul requests 2nd truce to allow Chinese residents to evacuate Hanoi Chinese diplomacy, Chinese community Political City, Battle of Hanoi, Start of War
47-02-17 Hanoi End of battle of Hanoi and withdrawal of the last DRV forces DRV, French armed forces Military City, Battle of Hanoi, Start of War
47-02-17 Annam French occupation of Quang Tri. French armed forces Military Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-17 Nanjing, China In China, Nguyen Tuong Tam and Nguyen Hai Than establish "National Union Front of Vietnam" Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Opposition, Civil War
47-02-17 Paris, France General Juin declines Ramadier's offer to serve as High Commissioner of Indochina. French military figure Military French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-18   Robert Battet takes over from admiral Philippe Auboyneau as acting commander of French Naval Forces in the Far East French armed forces, French military figure Military French Navy
47-02-20 Annam Ho Chi Minh visits Thanh Hoa DRV Social Ho Chi Minh
47-02-22   French bomb Chi Ne resistance press of DRV French armed forces Military, Social Media, Communications; Start of War
47-02-24 Paris, France D'Argenlieu arrives in Paris and discovers letter from de Gaulle, advising him not to resign French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Charles de Gaulle
47-02-25 Paris, France D'Argenlieu meets Ramadier. French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-26 Paris, France D'Argenlieu meets Moutet, Bidault, de Gaulle. French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Charles de Gaulle
47-02-28 Paris, France D'Argenlieu sees Auriol. French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-02-28 Paris, France Bidault explains that the Movement Republicain populaire (MRP) agreed to coalition with Socialists and French Communist Party (FCP) in order to prevent loss of Indochina. French political figure, FCP Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-03-01 Quang Binh, Annam French sweep into Quang Binh taking control of a zone between Binh Tri Thien, central Laos and Quang Nam - Da Nang. French armed forces Military Military policy, occupation
47-03-01 Paris, France Ramadier informs d'Argenlieu that he cannot return to Indochina all the while insisting that French will not negotiate with Ho Chi Minh. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-03-04 Tonkin DRV government leaves Son Tay for Phu Tho. DRV Political Military policy, occupation
47-03-05   French Cabinet unanimously endorses Ramadier's choice of Emile Bollaert as new High Commissioner. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-03-05 Paris, France Emile Bollaert appointed (in temporary role, not to exceed 6 months) High Commissioner in Indochina, replacing d'Argenlieu. French political figure Political Nomination, Political reorganization
47-03-05 Nam Dinh, Tonkin French armored column relieves critically endangered garrison in Nam Dinh. French armed forces Military Military policy, occupation
47-03-10   First issue of the National Defense newspaper (Báo Vệ Quốc) appears DRV Political, Social Newsprint, Media
47-03-11 Paris, France Indochina debate in French National Assembly on approving budget for the colonial conflict. While the French Communist Party (FCP), led by Thorez, quit Chamber in protest, the communists did not vote against approving funding for the Indochina War. French political figure, FCP Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, French Communist Party
47-03-12 Washington, USA Truman speech on need to contain communist bloc USA Political Cold war, Domino theory, U.S. policy, Indochina
47-03-15 Cochinchina, Mekong Delta Tran Van Soai crosses over to French, with 2000 Hoa Hao fighters. Hoa Hao Military Religion, Hoa Hao, Civil War, Opposition
47-03-15 Canton Conference of National Union Front resolves to withdraw support from Ho Chi Minh in favor of Bao Dai. Conference ends on 22 March 1947. Hoa Hao, Cao Dai Political Civil War, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Opposition, State Formation
47-03-16 Bangkok, Thailand Official establishment of DRV delegation for Southeast Asia, based in Bangkok. DRV Political Diplomacy, Asia
47-03-16   DRV creates the foreign trade office, belonging to the Ministry of Economy DRV Economy, Political Foreign trade, Economy
47-03-18   Ho Chi Minh assigns the Foreign Affairs portfolio to Hoang Minh Giam. DRV Political Nomination, Political reorganization
47-03-19 Paris, France French National Assembly vote on 'war budget' for Indochina: 421 in favor, none against, French Communist Party abstained, and were thanked for their silence. French political figure, FCP Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-03-19 Paris, France French Communist Party resolution calling for resumption of negotiations with the DRV French political figure, FCP Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, French Communist Party
47-03-20   DRV Ministry of Defense creates the intelligence bureau PAVN Political, Military Armed forces formation
47-03-21   Ho Chi Minh response to Ramadier: Vietnamese want unity and independence within French Union, without war DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War,, Ho Chi Minh
47-03-21 Paris, France DRV representative in Paris, Tran Ngoc Danh, offers to contact his government regarding the resumption of negotiations. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Ho Chi Minh
47-03-21 Paris, France National Socialist (SFIO) Council supports motion that negotiations be resumed with "the qualified representatives of Viet Nam". French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-04-01 Tonkin Ho Chi Minh and much of DRV government leaves Phu Tho for Tuyen Quang. DRV Political Start of War, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-04-01 Saigon, Cochinchina Bollaert arrives in Saigon French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-04-03 Viet Bac, Tonkin Vietnamese communist party central committee meeting. The first since they left Hanoi for the Viet Bac Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Meeting
47-04-14 France Return of de Gaulle to politics with formation of Rassemblement du Peuple Francais. French military figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Charles de Gaulle
47-04-15   French open Highway 6 offensive to west of Hanoi, seizing Xuan Mai, Chi-bo, Hoa binh; campaign concludes 16 May 1947 French armed forces Military French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Occupation
47-04-17 Mekong Delta DRV executes Huynh Phu So DRV, Hoa Hao Social, Political Hoa Hao, Civil War, Religion, Opposition
47-04-17   Pham Cong Tac states his intention to support Bao Dai and latter's return to Viet Nam Cao Dai, Vietnamese political figure Political Bao Dai, Religion, Cao Dai, Opposition, Civil War
47-04-25   New peace proposals by Ho Chi Minh. DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Ho Chi Minh
47-04-25 Paris, France Overseas Ministry rejects further negotiations with Ho Chi Minh. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Ho Chi Minh
47-04-26 Saigon, Cochinchina Bollaert receives official message (dated 19 April 1947) from DRV Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoang Minh Giam, saying government proposes an immediate cessation of hostilities and opening of negotiations. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-04-26   French War Minister, Paul Coste-Floret, arrives in Indochina (until 3 May 1947-05-03). French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-04-30   French approve budget for the reconstruction and equipment of Indochina French political figure Political, Economy French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Economy, Finances, Communications
47-05-01   DRV decree 47/SL on the organization of the General Command office composed of the The Army chief of staff and all offices: political, intelligence, general training, inspection, popular militia and administration.     Military Policy
47-05-02 Cochinchina General Nguyen Van Xuan becomes prime minister of Provisional Government of the Autonomous Republic of Cochinchina, announces Cabinet, adopts yellow flag with 3 stripes as national emblem, and creates new national anthem. Vietnamese military figure Political Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, State Formation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Civil War
47-05-02 Paris, France Faced with opposition on various questions (including Madagascar) from French Communist Party (FCP), Ramadier calls for motion of confidence in government. Obtains it. French political figure, FCP Political PCF, French Policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-04 Paris, France French Communist Party (FCP) starts referring to an 'imperialist war' in Indochina. French political figure, FCP Political PCF, Parliament, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Propaganda
47-05-04 Hong Kong Bao Dai calls for "an honorable and lasting peace". Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, mobilization, opposition, Bao Dai, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Civil War, Opposition
47-05-05 Ha Long Bay, Tonkin Nguyen Van Xuan meets Bollaert, with Bao Dai present; signs a new agreement. Vietnamese political figure Political Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-06 Cambodia Cambodian Constitution promulgated, Cambodia becomes a constitutional monarchy Cambodia Political State formation, Monarchy, Cambodia
47-05-09 Pont des Rapides, 60 km from Hanoi. Paul Mus meets Hoang Minh Giam in DRV territory French intellectual figure, DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Ho Chi Minh
47-05-11 Laos Lao King promulgates a constitution. Laos becomes a constitutional monarchy Laos Political Monarchy, State formation
47-05-12 Viet Bac, Tonkin Paul Mus, Bollaert's envoy, secretly meets Ho Chi Minh and presents Coste-Floret's conditions for armistice. Failure. French intellectual figure, DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Ho Chi Minh
47-05-14 Hanoi, Tonkin Bollaert arrives in Hanoi. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-14 Paris, France Coste-Floret (Minister of War) says on return to Paris that the problem in Indochina will no longer be military, but political. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-15 Hanoi, Tonkin Bollaert speech extolling the French Union and insisting that France intends to stay in Indochina. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-16 Tuyen Quang, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) first all country police force conference DRV Political Police
47-05-18 Cochinchina With French support, Hoa Hoa Tran Van Soai becomes a one-star general. Vietnamese military figure Military Hoa Hao, Religion, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Civil War, Opposition
47-05-19 Saigon, Cochinchina Manifesto signed by 300 intellectuals, demanding reopening of negotiations with Ho Chi Minh, presented to High Commissioner Vietnamese intellectual figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-20 Cambodia Pignon named Commissioner to Cambodia French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-20 Saigon, Cochinchina Paul Mus returns from unsuccessful mission. French intellectual figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Ho Chi Minh
47-05-20 Nanjing? Front of National Union created by Nguyen Hai Than and Nguyen Tuong Tam in China issues statements hostile to negotiations with DRV Vietnamese political figure Political Declaration, opposition
47-05-20   Ho Chi Minh and Hoang Minh Giam reject cease-fire conditions proposed by France via Paul Mus mission. DRV, French political figure Political, Military French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-21 Tonkin DRV Interzone III Military Court convicts and sentences to death Dang Tran Duong, Ha Nam police chief, along with 11 others, on crime of misappropriating public funds, corruption, and violating revolutionary ethics. PAVN Political Justice, Military law, against impunity, corruption
47-05-22   The DRV Nam Bo resistance committee prohibits cooperation with the French or the Vietnamese traitors Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Mobilization, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-05-24   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)'s opening of the first popular militia conference DRV, PAVN Political, Military Mobilization
47-05-31   DRV allows the creation and work of the Red Cross in DRV Vietnam DRV Social National red cross, medicine, health
47-06-12   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) third all country military conference, discussing the strategy for the forthcoming fall and winter PAVN, DRV Military Meeting
47-06-14 Paris, France Bollaert returns to Paris to make his report. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-06-17 Washington, USA State Department expresses hope for a peaceful solution to war in Indochina. USA Political Diplomacy, United States
47-06-19   Message from Ho Chi Minh reaffirms desire of Vietnamese to cooperate closely with French; ends with call for people to resist until independence is recognized. DRV Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-06-27 Washington, USA Signing of the Franco-Thai conciliation commission report French political figure, Thailand Political Diplomacy, Asia, United States
47-07-02 Cantho, Mekong Delta DRV declares that purchases and sales of items such as houses, animals, boats and land must be approved by the DRV government, not the French Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political State formation, Trade, Agriculture, Economy, Mobilization
47-07-04 Paris, France Moutet tells Council of the French Republic that it is still impossible to negotiate with Ho Chi Minh. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-07-05 Hong Kong Bao Dai breaks silence and declares from Hong Kong that he would not refuse a role in ending the war. Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, Declaration, Negotiations
47-07-07   Armed forces' political bureau organizes the first conference on the armed forces propaganda and newsprint PAVN Military, Political Propaganda, Media, Communications, Military Policy
47-07-17 Cochinchina Ban by DRV Nam Bo Committee on any use of piastres from Bank of Indochina. Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Economy Economy, Currency, Banking
47-07-19 Thai Nguyen, Annam Beginning of French Operation Ceinture aimed at reoccupying the central highlands French armed forces Military Highland, Occupation
47-07-22 Paris, France Bollaert stresses that French want to negotiate a political solution, but first all guerrilla activity must cease. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-07-26   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Council of government redistributes portfolios, to give cabinet a more moderate appearance DRV Political Vietnamese Politics
47-07-27   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)'s national day of the war invalids and families of martyrs DRV Political, Social Mobilization
47-08-01 Paris, France Claude Bourdet writes in Combat that negotiations with Ho Chi Minh should be renewed. French Intellectual figure Political Newsprint, Declaration, Media, Negotiations
47-08-02   Pro-Nguyen Van Xuan elements in Council of Cochinchina demand a shakeup of the Republic of Cochinchina. Vietnamese political figure Political Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina
47-08-06 Paris, France Léon Blum writes in Le Populaire that negotiations should be resumed with Ho Chi Minh. Refers to a recent message from Paul Mus stressing this. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Ho Chi Minh
47-08-07 Hanoi, Tonkin Bollaert returns to Hanoi. Planning to make a declaration on independence of Indochina within French Union on 15 August 1947-08-15, when India and Pakistan become independent. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Asia, Great Britain
47-08-12 France Paris recalls Moutet French political figure Political Arrival
47-08-17   DRV Army issues circular on the organization of the office for proselytizing the enemy at each level of the armed forces PAVN Military, Political Propaganda
47-08-19   Nguyen Van Sam calls for Bao Dai to form a representative government, with people from all parties. Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, Opposition, State Formation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-08-25 Saigon, Cochinchina Tran Van Tuyen, sent by Bao Dai to sound out popular opinion arrives in Saigon and issues declaration in support of Bao Dai Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Mobilization, Opposition, Bao Dai
47-08-29 Paris, France Bollaert leaves again for Saigon. French political figure Political Arrival
47-09-09 Hong Kong 24 Vietnamese delegates fly to Hong Kong to participate in the "National Convention". Vietnamese political figure Political Opposition, Bao Dai
47-09-10 Ha Dong, Tonkin Bollaert defines French position, offers an Indochina Charter but rules out dealing with the DRV. "Freedom" mentioned, rather than "independence". French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-09-15   Hoang Minh Giam (Minister of Foreign Affairs) declares that Bollaert's "freedom" without "independence" signifies nothing. DRV Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
47-09-15 Tan Son Nhut, Cochinchina Nguyen Van Xuan returns from France, having accepted Le Van Hoach's invitation to return as vice-president or Defense Minister in the Republic of Cochinchina Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Opposition, Civil War, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina
47-09-18 Hong Kong Bao Dai response to Bollaert declaration. He agrees to make contact with the French to obtain Vietnam's total independence. He takes anti-Viet Minh position, to win confidence from the French Right and US. Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, Franco-Vietnamese relations, United States, United Kingdom, Bao Dai
47-09-29   Le Van Hoach tenders his resignation to Council for Cochinchina (having lost a vote of confidence). Vietnamese political figure Political Vietnamese politics, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina
47-10-01   Nguyen Van Xuan elected President of the Republic of Cochinchina government, now renamed the "provisional government of South Vietnam" Vietnamese political figure Political Vietnamese Politics, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, Government of South Vietnam
47-10-05 Hong Kong Bao Dai official request to Bollaert to liquidate Government of Cochinchina and replace it with an Administrative Committee as in Annam and Tonkin. Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, Vietnamese Politics, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, Government of South Vietnam, Bao Dai, Franco-Vietnamese relations
47-10-05   Creation of Kominform Soviet Union   Soviet Union
47-10-07 Tonkin Planning for Operation "Lea" aimed at capturing the DRV leadership and sever the government's trading route to China French military figure Military Occupation, Military affairs
47-10-07   New Nguyen Van Xuan ministry announced Vietnamese political figure Political Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, Government of South Vietnam, Vietnamese politics
47-10-15 Paris, France Minister for Overseas France explains that operations in Tonkin are "police operations" in reaction to an international outcry against Dutch actions against Indonesian Republicans in Java. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Start of the War, Asia
47-10-17 Cochinchina Pham Van Dong becomes special DRV government delegate to zone V in southern central Vietnam DRV Political Vietnamese politics
47-10-27 LK4, Annam Hoang Van Hoan appointed special DRV government special representative to zone IV in central Vietnam DRV Political Vietnamese Politics
47-11-09   Phan Ke Toai appointed Minister of Interior (following Huynh Thuc Khanh's death) DRV Political Vietnamese Politics
47-11-19 Paris, France End of Ramadier government. French political figure Political French politics
47-11-21 Paris, France Robert Schumann becomes Council President; MRP Paul Coste-Floret takes over Ministry of Overseas France; Cousseau goes to Hong Kong to propose direct contact between Bollaert and Bao Dai. French political figure Political French policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
47-11-22 Paris, France Robert Schumann (MRP) becomes Prime Minister. French political figure Political French politics
47-11-25 Vientiane, Laos First National assembly in Laos, Prince Souvannarath heads the government Council Laos Political State formation, parliament
47-11-28   Leclerc dies in a plane crash in Algeria French military figure Political French politics
47-12-06 Ha Long Bollaert-Bao Dai talks in Ha Long Bay lead to signing of provisional protocol promising recognition of Vietnam's unity and independence French political figure, Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Civil War, Opposition
47-12-10 Thai Nguyen End of Operation Ceinture French armed forces Military Military Policy
47-12-21 Hong Kong Ngo Dinh Diem, Nguyen Van Xuan and other non communist nationalists have discussions with Bao Dai prior to his planned departure for Geneva. Vietnamese political figure Political Opposition, Monarchy, Bao Dai, Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Civil War
47-12-21 Cambodia Elections of the National Assembly in Cambodia. Majority of Democrats elected. Cambodian nationalist Political Election, Parliament, State formation, Cambodia
47-12-23 Paris, France French Council of Ministers, having heard Bollaert, issues communique authorizing the High Commissioner in Indochina full mandate to negotiate with Vietnamese, without entering into negotiations with Ho Chi Minh. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Civil War, Opposition
47-12-29 Saigon, Cochinchina Nguyen Van Xuan reveals most details of talks in Hong Kong and downplays any authority Bao Dai might have to speak for Vietnamese people. Vietnamese political figure Political Opposition, Monarchy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
48-01-20 Geneva, Switzerland Bollaert leaves for Saigon. French political figure Political Arrival
48-01-25   Decree consolidates seven northern administrative zones into three interzones (1, 10, 3), four central zones into two interzones (4,5), and reaffirms Nam Bo with three zones (7,8,9) plus the Saigon-Cholon special zone. DRV, Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Military, Political Military Policy, geographical administration
48-01-27 Cochinchina, Mekong Delta Tran Van Soai signs agreement with Cao Dai to coordinate their military actions against Viet Minh Cao Dai, Hoa Hao Political, Military Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, Religion, Opposition, Civil War, Military policy
48-02-14 Cochinchina French launch sweep of Plain of Reeds. French armed forces Military Military policy, occupation
48-02-22 Saigon, Cochinchina Meeting of political and religious leaders arranged by Ngo Dinh Diem and Phan Huy Dan: plans for a Congress to select a representative, who will form a government to negotiate with the French. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Mobilization, Religion, Catholics, Opposition
48-03-01 Lai Chau, Son La, Tonkin Proclamation of a Tai Federation, with Deo Van Long as a president. Ethnic minorities, French armed forces Political Highland, Ethnic Minority
48-03-06   Indochinese Communist Party second all country political cadre conference Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Meeting
48-03-08   Letters exchanges between French President Vincent Auriol and Bao Dai French political figure, Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Mobilization, Opposition, Bao Dai
48-03-22 Saigon, Cochinchina On Bao Dai's suggestion, Ngo Dinh Diem meets Bollaert to try to persuade High Commissioner o adopt a more conciliatory attitude. Bollaert repeats he will alter nothing in the protocol, and only wishes to deal with Bao Dai. Vietnamese political figure, French political figure Political Meeting, Negotiation, Opposition
48-03-25   Le Van Hoach calls for immediate restoration of monarchy and a National Viet Nam Congress. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Monarchy
48-03-26 Paramount Hotel Bao Dai proclamation accepting formation of a provisional central government of Vietnam with main aim of achieving Vietnamese unity. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Monarchy
48-03-27 Saigon, Cochinchina Bollaert asks Louis Caput to go to Hong Kong to make contact with DRV envoys. Mission a failure. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Mobilization, Opposition, Bao Dai
48-03-27   Ho Chi Minh launches the national emulation campaign DRV, Viet Minh Political, Social, Economy Mobilization, Propaganda
48-03-31   French expeditionary corps numbers 110,245 French armed forces Military Military Policy
48-04-05   Ho Chi Minh formalizes code of "Six Do's and Six Don'ts" to win over peasant support DRV Political Peasantry, Mobilization, Propaganda, State Formation
48-04-14   Resistance Bonds (cong phieu) issued in DRV zones DRV Economy Currency, Banking system
48-04-14   Military Merit Medal class 3 conferred on Lieutenant-General Tran Dai Nghia, Head of Military Arms Department PAVN Military Military Policy
48-04-15   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Second all country popular militia conference, Ho Chi Minh issues 7 principles to be followed DRV, PAVN Military Meeting
48-04-24 Hong Kong Cochinchinese representatives called to meet Bao Dai. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Civil War, Opposition, State Formation
48-05-07   Formation of the Vietnam Association of Arts and Letters (Hội Văn Nghệ Việt Nam)   Social Culture, arts
48-05-15 Hong Kong Bollaert sends a letter to Nguyen Van Xuan authorizing him to form aprovisional government. Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, State formation, Franco-Vietnamese relations
48-05-20   Indochinese Communist Party's 5th Central Cadres Conference. Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Indochinese Communist Party
48-05-20 Saigon, Cochinchina Nguyen Van Xuan authorized to form a central provisional government of a unified Vietnam in association with French Vietnamese political figure Political State formation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
48-05-25   The French allow Nguyen Van Xuan government to represent former colonial regions of Tonkin, Annam, Cochinchina as part of one centralized and unified state. French political figure, Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
48-06-05 Ha Long Bay, aboard cruiser Duguay-Trouin. Ha Long Bay accords signed. Bollaert and Nguyen Van Xuan sign a preliminary convention in presence of Bao Dai - government will be created for whole of Vietnam. Bao Dai departs for France, after signing. Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, State formation, Declaration, Agreement
48-06-14 Saigon, Cochinchina Nguyen Van Xuan approves legislation authorizing the President of the provisional government to appoint governors of three parts of Vietnam. Sollicits a violent reaction from colonists. French civilians, Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, State Formation
48-06-18   Bilateral Franco-American accords on the introduction of the Marshall plan. Indochina is among the French Union territories benefiting from it. USA, French political figure Political, Economy Franco-American Relations, Economy, Finances
48-06-19   Ho Chi Minh renews his call for national emulation camaign (Thi dua ai quoc) Viet Minh, DRV, Vietnamese Communist Political, Social Mobilization, Propaganda
48-07-07   DRV decree on surrounding enemy economy (Bao vay kinh te dich). DRV Economy Report, Currency, Banking system, Trade
48-07-10 Viet Bac, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) First all country teacher conference DRV Political, Social Education, State formation
48-07-11   Bao Dai writes to Bollaert stressing that his role at Ha Long Bay was merely as a witness. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
48-07-16   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Second all country culture conference, during which Truong Chinh exposes the importance of Marx to Vietnam DRV Political, Social Mobilization
48-07-19 Paris, France Fall of Schumann government French political figure, FCP Political French politics
48-07-23 Viet Bac, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) all country arts conference, gathering 80 artists, electing the Association of Arts and Letters' Committee and creating the Vietnam Musician Group and the Vietnam Theater Group DRV Political, Social Culture, arts
48-07-25 Paris, France New cabinet set up under André Marie. Bidault replaced as Minister of Foreign Affairs by Schumann. French political figure Political French politics
48-08-01   General Georges Revers, Army chief of staff created the 1er Bataillon d'infanterie legere d'Outre Mer, BILOM, or 1st Overseas Light Infantry Battalion French military French armed forces, army Military Military Policy
48-08-08   Vietnamese Communist Fifth Central party cadres meeting, during which Truong Chinh exposes the new stage of the revolution Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Party discipline
48-08-14 Cochinchina DRV establishes rates for land and property DRV Political, Economy State formation, Economy, Agriculture
48-08-19   DRV prohibition on trade, transport and storage of luxury goods. DRV Economy State formation, economy
48-08-20   DRV decree 234/SL creating a military medicine school PAVN, DRV Social Medicine, Health, Hygiene
48-08-25 Paris, Saint-Germain, France Bao Dai repeats to Bollaert he will not return to Vietnam until colonial regime in Cochinchina has been dismantled, and there are satisfactory guarantees concerning the independence of Vietnam. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
48-10-08 Tonkin DRV launches the Dong Bac campaign (ends 7/12/1948) PAVN Military Military policy, occupation
48-10-19 Tonkin French Operation Diane aims at reoccupying the Red River Delta above Viet Tri French armed forces Military Military policy, occupation
48-10-20 France Léon Pignon replaces Bollaert as High Commissioner. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
48-11-02   Truman reelected President of the United States USA Political American politics
48-11-19   DRV decree forbidding hoarding of goods. DRV Economy Economy
48-11-19   DRV forbids speculation DRV Political, Economy Economy
48-11-22   DRV applies for admission to United Nations. DRV Political United Nations
48-12-07 Tonkin French Operation Pegase aims to reoccupy the Red River delta French armed forces Military Military policy, occupation
48-12-26 Saigon Arrival of the first Bataillon d'Infanterie legere d'Outre Mer (BILOM) and deployment in the central highlands French armed forces Military Military policy, occupation
49-01-03   Dean Acheson becomes Secretary of State USA Political Political reorganization
49-01-09 Cannes, France General Nguyen Van Xuan visits Bao Dai and asks him to return to Vietnam Vietnamese political figure Political Monarchy, Opposition, State Formation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
49-01-16 Cannes, France Pignon visits Bao Dai French political figure, Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
49-01-17 Paris, France Guy Mollet (General Secretary, SFIO) sends letter to Queuille (President of Council) expressing socialist reservations about Bao Dai solution and hoping that Ho Chi Minh will be included in future negotiations. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Civil War, Opposition, State Formation
49-01-20 Laos Creation of the Lao Issara army Lao Military Military Policy, Laos
49-01-21 Paris, France Negotiations between Prince Buu Loc representing Bao Dai and Pignon's team Vietnamese political figure, French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
49-01-22 Beijing, China Chinese Liberation Army takes Beijing Communist China Political, Military China, Communism
49-01-29   On the occasion of the Tet lunar new year, Bao Dai broadcasts a radio message in which he says he will return soon Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai
49-02-01   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) creation of the Technical school, responsible for the training of civil engineers, mineral engineers, railway, and staff for the postal services, architecture and land plannification offices DRV Political, Social Education, State formation
49-02-15   Indochinese Communist Party instructions to cadres to create an alliance of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos as part of the wider Indochinese struggle Vietnamese communist, Viet Minh Political Military Policy, Laos, Cambodia
49-03-01 Tonkin DRV Army launches Lao-Ha Campaign (Lao Cai - Ha Giang) (ends 20 April 1949) PAVN Military Battle
49-03-04 Tonkin DRV Army launches second Dong Bac campaign starts (ends 27 April 1949) PAVN Military Battle
49-03-08   Signing of the Elysée agreement, between Bao Dai and Vincent Auriol stipulating "unity and independence" of the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) French political figure, Vietnamese political figure, Associated states Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
49-03-09   Vo Nguyen Giap creates the "Air force training unit", headed by Ta Quang Buu and assisted by foreign experts PAVN Military Military Policy
49-03-12   DRV establishes school for midwives DRV Social Health, medicine
49-03-15 Tonkin DRV launches Cao Bac Lang offensive (Chien dich Cao Bac-lang). Concludes 30 April 1949 PAVN Military Battle, Border, Frontier
49-03-15   DRV bans sale of cotton or kapok DRV Economy Trade, Economy, Agriculture
49-03-18 Vientiane, Laos Prince Boun Oum replaces Prince Souvannourath at the head of the Council in Laos Laos Political Lao Politics
49-04-06 Cochinchina DRV establishes the Education Department in south DRV Social Education, State formation
49-04-07   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) decree creating the local armed forces (bộ đội địa phương) DRV, PAVN Political, Military Armed forces formation
49-04-10 Cochinchina 700 French and less than 1000 Vietnamese elect Cochinchinese Assembly Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Political Election, Parliament, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, Associated State of Vietnam
49-04-21 China Chinese Liberation Army crosses Yangzi River and advances into southern China Communist China Military Chinese civil war
49-04-23 Cochinchina Cochinchinese Assembly votes to approve Cochinchina integration into the emerging Associated State of Vietnam (ASV). Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina Political Election, Parliament, Provisional Government of the Republic of Cochinchina, Associated State of Vietnam
49-04-23 Cao Bang, Tonkin The Indochinese Communist Party issues the order to to assist the Chinese Communist Party create a free zone in the areas across the border from Cao Bang Communist China, Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political, Military China, Communism, Military Policy
49-04-24 Nanjing, China Chinese Liberation Army captures Nanjing Communist China Political, Military China, Communism
49-04-28   Bao Dai decides to return to Viet Nam. He leaves Nice for Vietnam aboard the French presidential plane Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
49-04-28   Franco-Lao Accord signed opening the way to the creation of an Associated State of Laos Lao, French political figure Political Franco-Lao Relations, Associated State of Laos
49-04-29 Tonkin French oeration Poumon aims to open zone from the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin to Tuyen Quang French armed forces Military Military Policy
49-05-01 Dalat, Annam Nguyen Van Xuan declares that future participation of Ho Chi Minh is not absolutely excluded. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation, Ho Chi Minh
49-05-01   Paul Maeght (Secretary, Union des syndicats C.G.T du Vietnam) requests approval to strike; but refused. Tran Van Le takes control of the union; C.G.T. dropped from name. Vietnamese political figure Social, Economy Labor, Strike
49-05-19   Hoang Minh Giam proposes a ceasefire while dikes in Tonkin are repaired. Rejected following day by French General Koch. Vietnamese political figure, DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Economy, Military Policy
49-05-19 Tonkin DRV's Song Thao campaign begins (it closes on 18 July 1949) PAVN Military Military Policy
49-05-21   Issuing of3 million "Ho Chi Minh" postage stamps, each with 2ct value. DRV Social Economy, Communications, Stamps
49-05-29   The French Bureau technique de liaison et de coordination d'Extrême Orient replaces the Bureau fédéral de documentation French armed forces Military Intelligence
49-06-02 Cochinchina French offensive in Plain of Reeds, commanded by Command-in-Chief of French forces in South Viet Nam, Pierre Boyer de la Tour. French armed forces Military Military Policy
49-06-02 Mekong Delta French operation Jonquille commences French armed forces Military Military Policy
49-06-03   Indochinese Communist Party Standing Bureau issues instructions on blocking the enemy's economy Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Economy  
49-06-03   French National Assembly aproves the attachment of the former colony of Cochinchina to the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) French political figure Political Parliament, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
49-06-06   A popular supplementary grade established DRV Social Nomination, Decoration
49-06-10 Saigon?, Cochinchina DRV creates the Bureau for the Collection of Resources (Van Phong Suu Tam Nguyen Lieu) created. DRV Military, Social Weapons production, Economy, Trade
49-06-10   DRV operation Thap van Dai Son campaign in collaboration with Chinese communists in southern China begins (ends on 5 July 1949) PAVN, Chinese communist, Vietnamese communist Military China, Communism, Military Policy
49-06-13 Saigon Return of Bao Dai to Saigon Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
49-06-14   Creation of the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) led by Bao Dai Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
49-06-15 Thanh Hoa, Tonkin DRV teacher training university open the first classes in Thanh Hoa DRV Social Education, State formation
49-06-29   Report submitted by General Revers after inspection tour of situation in Indochina French military figure Military Franco-Vietnamese Relations
49-06-30 Dalat Bao Dai creates his government in Dalat Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
49-07-01   Bao Dai officially declares the existence of the National State of Vietnam (Nha nuoc Vietnam quoc gia) Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
49-07-01   DRV decree 75SL redistributes French colonial and Vietnamese traitors' land to the peasantry, the military and the guerrilla as well as to tenants of the area DRV Political, Economy, Social, Military State formation, Land distribution, Property, Peasantry
49-07-07   Meeting of the southern Lien Viet on uniting Lien Viet with Viet Minh. Non-communist members wary of communist control. Le Duc Tho responds by claiming that opposing Communism is opposing resistance and betraying the country Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Vietnamese politics, Indochinese Communist Party
49-07-13 Tonkin French operation Bastille, part of General Blaizot's plan to pacify the Northern side of the Red River French armed forces Military Military Policy
49-07-14   DRV decree 78SL reduces the land tax by 25% DRV Political, Social, Economy State formation, economy, agriculture
49-07-16 Hanoi, Tonkin Bao Dai makes a speech and assists a military parade after which he sends flowers to a DRV memorial dedicated to those killed on the day full-scale war broke out in Indochina (19/12/1946) Vietnamese political figure Political Bao Dai, Memory, Franco-Vietnamese relations, Associated State of Vietnam
49-07-19 Paris, France Lao king Sisavangvong signs the French Union treaty, creating officially the Associated State of Laos within the French Union Laos monarchy Political Associated State of Laos
49-07-25   Pham Van Dong appointed Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) deputy Prime Minister DRV Political Political reorganization, nomination
49-07-29   Chegaray publishes article in Témoignage chrétien on the use of torture in the French army French intellectual Military, Political Torture, French Politics
49-08-07 Paris, France DRV delegation in Paris closes following the creation of the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV). Head of delegation, Tran Ngoc Danh, leaves for Prague. DRV Political Diplomacy
49-08-18 Tonkin French operation Canigou in Vinh Yen and Phuc Yen French armed forces Military Military policy
49-08-25   Pham Van Dong becomes President of Supreme Defense Council DRV, PAVN Political, Military Military policy, Vietnamese Politics
49-08-26   Contents of top-secret report by General Revers (Chief of Defense Staff) advocating abandoning most of Tonkin is broadcast over Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) radio. DRV, French military figure Political, Military Franco-Vietnamese Relations, French politics
49-08-28   First division-size unit formed in the DRV army PAVN Military Military policy
49-08-28 Cua Lo, Tonkin The French navy sinks the DRV's Song Lo vessel coming from Thailand, loaded with paper, medicine and rice DRV, French armed forces Social Military policy, economics, finances, medicine
49-09-04   DRV creates Education Council to assist the Education Ministry in developing educational system DRV Social Education, state formation
49-09-08   Meeting between Bao Dai, Buu Loc and Ngo Dinh Nhu Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Vietnamese politics
49-09-09   DRV conference on military arts and culture PAVN Political, Military Culture, arts
49-09-15   Robert Schuman asks the American Secretary of State Dean Acheson to assist the French financially French political figure, USA Military, Political, Economy Financial aid, United States, diplomacy
49-09-19 Cambodia Dissolution of the Cambodian National Assembly Cambodia Political Cambodian politics
49-10-01 Beijing, China Foundation of People's Republic of China. Communist China Political China, Communism
49-10-01   President Tran Van Huu names Jean Leroy colonel, in charge of Bentre province in south Vietnamese military figure Political Catholics, religion, state formation
49-10-16 Phat Diem, Bui Chu, Tonkin French operation Anthracite in Catholic areas of Phat Diem and Bui Chu French armed forces Military Catholicism, Religion, Military Policy
49-10-24 Bangkok The Lao Issara government-in-exile in Bangkok pronounces its dissolution Lao nationalist Political Lao politics, Lao Issara
49-11-04   DRV decree 127 SL institutes obligatory military service for all men aged between 18 and 45. DRV Political, Military Mobilization, Military Policy
49-11-04   DRV decree 127 SL creating the Viet Bac interzone DRV, PAVN Military, Political Military policy
49-11-08 Paris Franco-Cambodia treaty signed creating the Associated State of Cambodia within the French Union Cambodia, French political figure Political Associated State of Cambodia
49-11-23 Peking, China Liu Shaoqi tells Conference of Asian and Australasian Unions that armed struggle must be spread to all semi-colonial countries in Asia Communist China Political China, Communism, Asia
49-11-25 Tonkin DRV's Le Loi campaign begins (ends 30 January 1950) PAVN Military Battle
49-12-03   DRV issues regulations on providing biographic details and identity papers for civil servants DRV Political State formation
49-12-07   DRV's Cau Ke campaign begins (ends 26 December 1949) PAVN Military Battle
49-12-09 China Defeated Republic of China forces from Yunnan begin to cross into northern Vietnam. Many repatriated by French to Taiwan; others sent to camps elsewhere in French controlled Vietnam Chinese Nationalist, Chinese Communist Political, Military Republic of China, refugees, Asia
49-12-09 Chi Ma, Tonkin Republic of China General Huang Chieh's requests permission to evacuate his defeated troops to Taiwan via Haiphong; Pignon refuses for fear of angering the Chinese communists Chinese Nationalist, French political figure Political, Military Republic of China, refugees, Asia
49-12-12   Amerian magazine TIME publishes story of the "Generals Affair" which was picked up by the French press and became a full-blown French scandal. French military figure Military French politics
49-12-13 Chi Ma, Tonkin More Chinese Republican troops surrender to the French at the border. Chinese nationalist, French political figure Political, Military Republic of China, refugees, Asia
49-12-28 Viet Bac, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) First Peasant conference DRV Political, Social Meeting
49-12-30   Franco-US Convention of assistance reached French political figure, USA Political, Military, Economy Military aid, United States
50-01-01 Viet Bac, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) first Labor Union national assembly, gathering 200 representatives and during which Truong Chinh exposes "The mission of the unions" DRV Political, Social Mobilization
50-01-05   Bao Dai charges Nguyen Phan Long with the formation of a new Vietnamese government Vietnamese political figure Political Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation, Bao Dai
50-01-06 UK The United Kingdom recognizes the People's Republic of China UK, Communist China Political Diplomacy, United Kingdom, China
50-01-09 Saigon, Cochinchina 2,000 students protest against Tran Van Huu government. Police open fire. Student Tran Van On dies in shooting and her funeral draws a large crowd. Civilians Political Demonstration, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
50-01-14 Bangkok, Thailand DRV issues statement that it is ready to establish diplomatic relations with any government ready to respect its sovereignty and national territory. DRV Political Foreign representation, Recognition,
50-01-14   Assassination of Cambodian politician Ieu Koeus Cambodian nationalist Political Cambodian politics, Assassination
50-01-15   DRV recognizes the People's Republic of China DRV, Communist China Political Diplomacy, China, Communism
50-01-18 Beijing, China People's Republic of China (PRC) recognizes Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) . Communist China Political Diplomacy, China, Communism
50-01-19 China Ho Chi Minh crosses frontier into China and arrives in Nanning on 20 January. He boards train for Beijing on 21 January and met Prime Minister Zhou Enlai. DRV, Communist China Political Ho CHi Minh, Diplomacy, China, Communism
50-01-21 Tuyen Quang, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Fifth All country police forces conference, for the first time attended by representatives of the South (Pham Hung) DRV Political  
50-01-21 Viet Bac, Tonkin Indochinese Communist Party third all country conference, issuing 20 instructions for the year 1950 Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Party discipline
50-01-26 Cao Lanh, Mekong Delta DRV's Cao Lanh campaign (ends 1 February 1950) PAVN Military Battle
50-01-29 Paris, France French National Assembly approves Elysee agreement establishing associated independence for Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam within the French Union. French political figure Political Parliament, Associated States of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, State Formation
50-01-30 Soviet Union USSR recognizes Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV). Soviet Union Political Diplomacy, Soviet Union
50-02-02 Viet Bac, Tonkin Indochinese Communist Party's 3rd National Plenum approves transition to the stage of the general counter-offensive. Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political Military Policy, Indochinese Communist Party
50-02-02   Tchequoslovakia and Hungary recognize the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political Diplomacy
50-02-03   Romania and Eastern Germany recognize the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political Diplomacy
50-02-03 Bui Chu, Tonkin Mgr Pham Ngoc Chi becomes Vicar Apostolic and Bishop of Bui Chu Vietnamese political figure Social, Political Catholicism, Vatican, Religion
50-02-04   Poland recognizes the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political Diplomacy
50-02-04 USA United States recognizes the government of the Associated State of Viet Nam led by Bao Dai. USA Political Diplomacy, United States, Associated State of Vietnam
50-02-06 Laos Franco-Lao military convention concluded. Obligatory military service promulgated for Lao men Laos, French military figure Military Armed forces formation, Conscription
50-02-06   Creation of the French Direction Générale de la Documentation (DGD), gathering intelligence to "control, coordinate and guide" French armed forces Political, Military Intelligence
50-02-07   United Kingdom recognizes the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) UK, USA, Associated state Political Diplomacy, United States
50-02-07 Tonkin DRV begins operation Le Hong Phong I in an attempt to control Tai regions in Northwestern Vietnam (ends 7 March) and opens a northern border to China PAVN Military Military Policy
50-02-08   Bulgaria recognizes the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political Diplomacy
50-02-11   Albania recognizes the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) DRV Political Diplomacy
50-02-11   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) creation of the Vietnam-Chinese friendship association DRV Political  
50-02-12 Rome Vatican recognizes the Associated States of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia Associated states, Catholic Political Catholicism, Religion, Diplomacy
50-02-16   Visit by three American Vessels of the 7th fleet to Saigon port Communist China Political, Economy Military Policy, Diplomacy, United States
50-02-19 Saigon Student demonstrations in Saigon against the war and increasing American support of the French Civilians Political Demonstrations, United States
50-02-21 Viet Bac, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) first Youth Salvation group and Youth Union assembly, gathering 400 representatives DRV Political, Social Youth
50-02-24 Vientiane, Laos Prince Boun Oum is replaced by Phoui Sananikone at the head of Lao government Laos Political Lao politics
50-02-25   Hoa Hao Nguyen Giac Ngo submits to Bao Dai government Hoa Hao Political Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, Opposition, Civil War
50-03-04 Beijing, China Ho Chi Minh returns to Beijing from USSR; 11 March 1950 he leaves China for Viet Nam; on 2 April 1950, Ho returns to Vietnam. DRV Political Diplomacy, China, Soviet Union
50-03-16 Saigon, Cochinchina Three ships from the United State's 7th fleet arrive in Saigon port USA Political, Military Military Policy, Diplomacy, United States
50-03-19   Demonstration in Saigon, protesting visit of 2 US warships. French civilian Political Demonstrations, United States
50-04-04 Soc Trang, Mekong Delta DRV begins the Soc Trang campaign (ends 30 April 1950) PAVN Military Battle
50-04-27   Nguyen Phan Long loses his premiership and Bao Dai nominates Tran Van Huu to form a new government. Tran Van Huu calls for the death penalty for terrorists and nominates Nguyen Van Tam to head the security services. Vietnamese political figure Political State formation, Political reorganization, Opposition, Police, Surveillance
50-05-14   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Fourth all country local armed forces and popular militia conference, gathering for the first time representatives of the three region (north, center and south) DRV Political Meeting
50-05-17 Viet Bac, Tonkin Creation og the Vietnam-USSR friendship association chaired by Ton Duc Thang DRV Political Diplomacy
50-05-19   Prime Minister Tran Van Huu issues the decision 81/SC reestablishing newsprint and media censorship Associated state, Vietnamese political figure Political, Social Newsprint, Media, Associated State of Vietnam
50-06-02   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) creation of the Journalist association DRV Political, Social Newsprint, media
50-06-15 Annam DRV begins the Phan Dinh Phung campaign (ends 24 October 1950) PAVN Military Battle
50-06-21   The Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) becomes member of the International Labor Organization International Organization, Associated State Political, Social Labor, Associated State of Vietnam
50-06-25 Korea Outbreak of the Korean War Korea Military Korean War
50-06-27 USA President Truman decides to increase aid to French armed forces USA, French armed forces Military Military aid, United States
50-06-29 Pau, France Pau Conference of Associated States of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Franco-Lao Relations, Franco-Cambodian Relations
50-07-15 Viet Bac, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) creation of the Youth Vanguard, gathering 225 youths aging from 18 to 25 years old in order to provide support to the Cao Bang campaign DRV Political, Social Youth
50-07-15 Saigon, Cochinchina Arrival of American military information mission led by State Department officer John Melby and Major General B. Erskine. Mission to assess the needs for increased military aid to the French USA Political, Military Military aid, United States
50-08-03 Saigon, Cochinchina United States Military Assistance Group (MAAG) arrives in Indochina. USA Political, Military Military aid, United States
50-08-05   DRV's Hoang Dieu campaign begins (ends on 4 November 1950)      
50-08-15 France French military authorities issue arrest warrant for Léo Figuères, ranking French communist leader on visit to the DRV French political figure Political French Communist Party, Diplomacy
50-08-25 Cochinchina Hoa Hao Le Quang Vinh rallies to the French-Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) Hoa Hao Political Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation, Bao Dai, Opposition, Civil War
50-09-05   DRV Military Court sentences to death Tran Du Chau, head of Military Supply department, for corruption. DRV, PAVN Political Justice, Execution
50-09-16 Tonkin Battle of Cao Bang or Border campaign begins between the DRV and the French Union armed forces. DRV wins PAVN, French armed forces Military Cao Bang, Battle
50-09-17   The US Military assistance group (MAAG) begins operations USA Political, Military Military aid, United States
50-09-18 Tonkin DRV army captures Dong Khe in Cao Bang province PAVN Military Cao Bang, Battle
50-09-18   1st Foreign Parachute Battalion dropped along Route coloniale (RC) 4 at That Khe, but failed to reach destination. PAVN Military Cao Bang, Battle
50-09-18   DRV government announces it will free 52 French Prisoners of war PAVN Political prisoners of war
50-09-30   Operation Tiznit: Lepage at the head of the Bayard group is instructed to march to Dong Khe, but only learns on 2 October 1950 that his mission was in fact to head to the garrison of Cao Bang French armed forces Military Cao Bang, Battle
50-10-01   1 Bataillon Etranger Parachutiste (BEP) at That Khe reinforced by 3,500 Moroccan and local troops assembled at Lang Son under Colonel Le Page; marches north to retake Dong Khe. French armed forces Military African troops, battle
50-10-03   French retreat from the Route Coloniale 4 near Chinese border. Col. Charton ordered to leave Cao Bang with his 1500 legionnaires and Moroccans to meet up with Col. Le Page. That night both columns attacked by Viet Minh. French armed forces, PAVN Military Cao Bang, Battle
50-10-03 Mekong Delta DRV opens Long-Chau-Ha 1 Campaign PAVN Military Military Policy
50-10-07   Remnants of Charton and Le Page columns link up French armed forces Military Cao Bang, Battle
50-10-07   General Juin questions value of continuing war. French military figure Political Military Policy
50-10-07 Cochinchina DRV begins the Ben Cat campaign begins (ends 15 November) PAVN Military Battle
50-10-14 Korea Chinese communist forces begin entering North Korea Communist China, Korea, USA Military Korean War
50-10-18 Tonkin French abandon various frontier posts, including Lang Son, leaving behind large amounts of materiel French armed forces Military Cao Bang, Battle
50-10-18   Tran Van Huu criticizes France on the slow implementation of the 8 March Accord. Vietnamese political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
50-10-19   Pierre Mendes France expresses for the first time his opposition to the Indochina War on mainly financial grounds French political figure Political Economy, War Policy
50-10-20   First issue of the People's army newspaper (Báo Quân đội nhân dân) PAVN Political Newsprint, media
50-10-27 Paris, France Report of General Juin on the military situation French military figure Military Military Policy
50-11-01 Lai Chau, Tonkin French evacuation of Lao Cai and Lai Chau French armed forces Military Military Policy
50-11-05   DRV government meets to discuss lessons on cadre policy as a result of the Tran Du Chau affair (5 September 1950). DRV Political Meeting, Justice, Civil servant, Corruption, Against impunity
50-11-06 Tonkin DRV seizes Hoa Binh French armed forces, PAVN Military Hoa Binh, Battle, Occupation
50-11-22   First conference of DRV leaders and leaders of the "resistance governments" for Cambodia and Laos. Declaration of cooperation signed by Ton Duc Thang (DRV), Sieu Heng (Khmer Issarak Cambodia), and Prince Souphanouvong (Pathet Lao). DRV, Cambodian Communist, Lao Communist Political Associated States of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Lao Issara
50-11-27 Pau, France End of Pau conference French political figure Political Negotiations
50-12-04   The Indochinese Communist Party issues guidelines concerning Overseas Chinese Vietnamese Communist, Chinese civilians, Viet Minh Political, Social Overseas Chinese
50-12-06 Paris, France Pleven government appoints General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny as joint military Commander-in-Chief and High Commissioner for Indochina, replacing General M. Carpentier (Commander-in-Chief of army) and Léon Pignon (High Commissioner) French military figure Political, Military Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, Military Policy
50-12-08   Franco-US agreement codifying and normalizing American aid to the French French armed forces, French political figure, USA Political, Military, Economic Military aid, United States
50-12-15 Hanoi, Tonkin Bao Dai visits Ha Dong, military parade in Hanoi, reception at Hanoi University. Vietnamese political figure Political, Social Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam
50-12-17   General de Lattre de Tassigny arrives in Indochina and promises strong leadership. French military figure Political, Military Military Policy
50-12-23   Transfer of general administrative services to Vietnamese, as agreed at the Pau Conference Associated States Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, State Formation
50-12-23   Representatives of France, the United States, the Associated States of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam sign a Mutual Defense Accord for Indochina Associated States, US, French political figure Political Diplomacy, United States
50-12-25 Tonkin Start of the DRV's Tran Hung Dao campaign on Vinh Yen and Phuc Yen PAVN Military Vinh Yen, Battle
50-12-27   Special cultural schools planned in DRV for workers, peasants, lower government civil servants, mass education teachers, mass organization cadres. DRV Political, Social Education, Mobilization, Civil servants, Literacy
50-12-29 Rach Gia, Cochinchina Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Second all South National salvation youth assembly, gathering 80 representatives of around 320.000 members DRV Political, Social Youth
51-01-01 Annam From this date in DRV, all rice cultivators must pay 5kg of rice per "sao" (approx. 4 acres) annually. Others must pay 15 boxes (3-4 kg) of rice monthly. DRV Economy, Political Economy, Agriculture
51-01-09 Saigon, Cochinchina Demonstration of students commemorating the death of Tran Van On a year before, protesting against French policy Viet Minh Political, Social Demonstration,Youth
51-01-12 South Central DRV asserts that 1,300,000 can now read and write in 268 villages in South Central Viet Nam DRV Political, Social Education, Mobilization, Literacy
51-01-13 Interzone 4, Tonkin, Annam Administrative and Resistance committee (Uy ban khang chien hanh chinh: UBKCHC) takes over salt monopoly DRV Economy Salt, Economy, Finances
51-01-16   Viet Minh launch human wave attacks against French; de Lattre calls up virtually all combat planes in Indochina. PAVN, French military figure Political, Military Vinh Yen, Battle
51-01-17   Vo Nguyen Giap orders withdrawal of troops from Vinh Yen suffering some 5000 casualties, including 500 captured. PAVN Military Vinh Yen, Battle
51-01-19 Cambodia Kim Thit writes a letter to Sihanouk demanding the restoration of the National Assembly Cambodian nationalist Political Parliament, Cambodian Politics
51-01-29   French Premier Pleven and General Alllard, chief of staff of the Expeditionary Corps, travel to Washington to solicit more American assistance USA, French military figure, French political figure Military, Political Military aid, United States
51-02-10 Tonkin DRV attacks Nghia Lo PAVN, French armed forces Military Nghia Lo, Battle
51-02-11 Tuyen Quang, Tonkin Indochinese Communist Party convenes a Second National Congress, which changes name of party to the Vietnam's Workers' Party (Dang Lao Dong Viet Nam) and returns to operating in the open. The Congress elects a Central Executive Committee with Ho Chi Minh as chair and Truong Chinh as general secretary. Viet Minh Political Political reorganization, nomination
51-02-12 Mekong Delta DRV initiates Long-Chau-Ha campaign II (ends 13 March 1951) PAVN Millitary Military Policy
51-02-16   DRV 9th military medicine conference, gathering the largest number of participants and redefining the purpose and nature of health services. For the first time, it introduces political instructions and revolutionary spirit to be associated with health care. PAVN, DRV Military, Social, Political Medicine, Health, mobilization
51-03-03   Unification Conference of Viet Minh - Lien Viet. The Viet Minh is dissolved in favor of the Lien Viet. Viet Minh Political Mobilization, Vietnamese Politics
51-03-11   Conference of Lien-Viet representatives from DRV (Ton Duc Thang), Khmer National United Front, and Pathet-Lao United Front. Viet Minh, Cambodian Communist, Lao Communist Political Associated States of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Lao Issara, Khmer Issarak
51-03-11   Creation of the People's Paper, Nhan Dan, the official mouthpiece of the Vietnamese Worker's Party Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political, Social Newsprint, media
51-03-13 Viet Bac, Tonkin Vietnam Worker's Party Central Executive Committee first conference Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Meeting
51-03-23 Tonkin DRV initiates the Hoang Hoa Tham campaign or Road 18 campaign (ends 7 April 1951) PAVN Military Military Policy
51-03-27   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Second National salvation peasantry conference during which Truong Chinh insists on the importance of production DRV Political, Social  
51-04-06   DRV discovers that French are planning to sell 14 million tons of rice from Cochinchina for consumption abroad. DRV Social, Economy Trade, Banking, Economy, Agriculture
51-05-06 Hue DRV National Buddhist Congress unification Northern, Central and Southern Buddhist associations Buddhist Social Buddhism, Unification
51-05-06   DRV creates the Vietnam National Bank responsible for the emission of money, management of national budget and foreign currency. DRV Political, Economy Currency, Banking, Economy
51-05-11 Cam Ly, Annam Cam Ly massacre: French execution of 20 Vietnamese prisoners French armed forces, DRV Social Massacre
51-05-12 Mekong Delta DRV begins the Soc Trang II campaign (ends 25 May 1951) PAVN Military Battle
51-05-28 Day River, Tonkin Battle of the Day River begins, part of the DRV's Quang Trung campaign (ends 20 June 1951) PAVN, French armed forces Military Day, Battle, Cathoicism, Religion
51-06-17 Cochinchina Colonel Trinh Minh The, the Cao Dai armed forces chief of staff defects French armed forces and goes to Tay Ninh. Cao Dai, French armed forces Military, Political Religion, Cao Dai, Opposition, Civil war
51-06-19 Kampot, Cambodia Creation of the People's Army of Cambodia for the Khmer Issarak Cambodian Communist Military Khmer Issarak, Associated State of Cambodia
51-07-11   De Lattre's famous speech to the youth of the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV). French political figure Political Mobilization, Propaganda
51-07-15   Bao Dai signs the military draft law into effect for the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) Vietnamese political figure, Associated states Political, Military Mobilization, Emergency, war restrictions, vietnamization, jaunissement
51-07-19 Paris, France The sentencing of Henri Martin, a French naval officer favorable to the DRV, sets off demonstrations among dockers loading ships for Indochina. French military figure, Civilians Political, Military Demonstration, Opposition
51-07-22   DRV promulgation of the manufacturing and commercial tax DRV Political, Economy Tax, Economy
51-07-23   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) delegation headed by Hoang Quoc Viet visits the People's Republic of China DRV Political Diplomacy
51-07-26   Meeting between the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) and the International Red Cross on providing medical aid to prisoners of war DRV, Red Cross Social Humanitarian assistance, Red Cross, war prisoner
51-09-01   Signing of the ANZUS Treaty (Australia, New Zealand, USA) International relations Political Diplomacy, United States, Asia, Domino Theory
51-09-07   Agreement reached on American financial aid to the Associated States of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia USA, Associated states Political, Economy Military aid, United States
51-09-08 San Francisco, USA Signing of U.S. Peace Treaty with Japan Japanese Army, USA Political United States, Asia, Domino Theory
51-09-10 USA General de Lattre starts a visit to the US French military figure, USA Political, Military Arrival
51-09-19 Quang Ngai, Annam DRV Administrative and Resistance committee directive restricting opening of restaurants. DRV Social Food, Agriculture
51-09-24 LK5, Annam DRV buys up large stocks of rice; forbids shopkeepers to hold large supplies of cereals. DRV Economy, Social Trade, Economy, Finances
51-09-25 Ninh Giang, Tonkin French Operation Citron French armed forces Military Military Policy
51-09-27   Second Plenum of the Worker's Party Central executive committee Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Meeting
51-09-29 Tonkin DRV initiates Ly Thuong Kiet campaign (ends 31 October 1951) PAVN Military Military Policy
51-09-30 Tonkin Operation Mandarine, aims together with operation Citron to pacify the Red river delta despite the attacks on Nghia Lo French armed forces Military Military Policy
51-10-01 China Decision to establish a central Education facility in Nanning, China. DRV Social Education, China, Communism
51-10-02 Nghia Lo, Tonkin From October 2 until Oct. 6, the Battle of Nghia Lo, a DRV victory PAVN, French armed forces Military Nghia Lo, Battle
51-10-28 Hanoi, Tonkin The Episcopal conference, presided by Mgr Dooley takes a clear position in favor of the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV). Associated States, Catholics Political, Social Religion, Catholics, Opposition, Alliance, Loyalty
51-10-29   French sequestering of Son Ngoc Thanh ends Cambodian nationalist Political Franco-Cambodian Relations
51-11-14 Hoa Binh, Tonkin General de Lattre attacks and takes Hoa Binh on the Black River PAVN, French armed forces Military Hoa Binh, Battle, Occupation
51-12-10 Tonkin People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN)'s begins Hoa Binh campaign PAVN Military Hoa Binh, Battle, Occupation
51-12-25   Ho Chi Minh addresses a letter to the North African troops of the Expeditionary corps for Christmas DRV, Vietnamese Communist Political, Military Propaganda
52-01-06 Toulouse Schumann: France will not hesitate to conclude peace, but only under honorable conditions. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, Military Policy
52-01-11   Jean de Lattre de Tassigny dies of cancer, replaced by General Raoul Salan French military figure Political Military Policy
52-01-23 Con Dao, Cochinchina DRV Execution of "landlord" Vo Thi Sau Vietnamese Communist, Viet Minh Political  
52-02-14 Tonkin French Operation Amarante launched aimed at reinforcing the eastern bank opposite Hoa Binh French armed forces Military Hoa Binh, Battle, Occupation
52-02-20   DRV All-country Finance Conference opens DRV Political, Economy Economics
52-02-22 Tonkin French Army withdraws from Hoa Binh. French armed forces Military Hoa Binh, Battle, Occupation
52-02-25 Tonkin DRV occupies Hoa Binh city PAVN Military Hoa Binh, Battle, Occupation
52-03-05   DRV regulations on comunal lands DRV Political, Social, Economy Economy, Agriculture
52-03-07 Saigon, Cochinchina Tran Van Huu reshuffles his cabinet but many political figures refuse his ministerial offers Vietnamese political figure Political Political reorganization, Opposition
52-03-08 Soviet Union Nguyen Luong Bang appointed first Ambassador to the Soviet Union DRV, Soviet Union Political Vietnamese Politics
52-03-15   Vietnamese communist fifth politicla cadre conference, insisting on the sabotage of the ennemy's supplies, designs and reinforcing the resistance economy Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Party discipline
52-03-31 Nha Trang, Annam Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) begins training pilots Associated States Army Military Military Policy
52-04-07   Bao Dai names Le Van Vien (Bay Vien) brigadier general Vietnamese political figure Political Vietnamese Politics, Binh Xuyen
52-04-21 Saigon, Cochinchina Letourneau arrives in Saigon: "My aim, in coming to Indochina, is to assure the complete independence of the Associated States within the confines of the French Union." French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, Military Policy
52-04-22   Vietnam Workers' Party Third Central Executive Committee conference focusing on the production objectives for 1952, reinforcing the sabotage behind ennemy lines as well as military and party cadre rectification Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Party discipline
52-04-28   Third Plenum of the Worker's Party Central executive Committee Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Meeting
52-05-01   Opening of the first DRV national assembly of heroes and martyrs DRV, PAVN Political, Social Mobilization, Propaganda
52-05-11 Viet Bac, Tonkin Vietnamese communist central party opens the first party rectification session. Directives on the role of the party within the military are issued on the 27th and rectification within the army takes place during May 1952 Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Party discipline
52-05-26   Railways transferred from French to Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) administration. Bao Dai made rare public appearance in Hanoi. Associated States Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, Military Policy
52-05-26 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Anti French demonstrations by students Cambodia, Civilians Political, Social Vietnamese Politics
52-06-03 Cambodia King Sihanouk assumes command of the government Cambodian monarchy Political Monarchy, Cambodian Politics
52-06-08   DRV National Bank receives permission to print 50 billion dong. DRV Economy Banking, Finances, Economy
52-06-22   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) implementation of the ethnic minorities policy, aiming at the solidarity of all ethnic groups DRV Political Mobilization
52-07-05   DRV and Soviet Union agree on a loan for buying Soviet goods DRV, Soviet Union Political, Economy Trade, Soviet Union, Finances
52-07-06 Annam French launch operation in Thua Thien to round up Vietnamese youths for State of Vietnam Army. Associated States Army Military, Political Recruitment, Training. Youth
52-07-15   Nguyen Van Tam's Plan for Political and Social Reforms Associated States Social, Political Associated State of Vietnam, Vietnamese Politics
52-07-15 Annam DRV initiates Quang Nam campaign (ends 26 September 1952) PAVN Military Battle
52-09-12   Soviet veto French attempt to admit the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) to the United Nations Associated states, French political figure Political United nations, diplomacy, Soviet Union
52-10-05 Soviet Union Ho Chi Minh leaves to attend the 19th congress of the Communist Party of Soviet Union. Soviet Union Political Ho Chi Minh, Diplomacy, Soviet Union
52-10-14 Tonkin DRV initiates the Tay Bac campaign opens (ends 10 December 1952) PAVN Military Military Policy
52-10-28 Phu Tho, Tonkin French operation Lorraine aims to pacify the Red River bank up to Phu Tho French armed forces Military Military Policy
52-10-29   General Salan launches Operation "Lorraine" French armed forces, PAVN Military Military Policy
52-12-01 Na San, Tonkin Battle of Na San opens, defeat for the DRV PAVN, French armed forces Military Na San, battle of
52-12-17   The NATO Council declares that the "campaign in Indochina led by French Union forces deserves support without compromise" International relations Political, Military Diplomacy, Europe, NATO
52-12-20   Opening of DRV land mobilization in countryside (chien dich phat dong quan chung o nong than). At Dong Bam plantation, Mme Nguyen Thi Nam is tried and executed as "landlord" DRV Political, Military, Social Mobilization, Agriculture, Land Reform, Execution
53-01-01   Hoa Hao Tran Van Soai becomes Major General in Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) Army Hoa Hao Military Hoa Hao, Religion, Opposition, Civil War, Military Policy
53-01-01 Laos French Groupement de commando mixtes aéroportés(GCMA) is establish positions in Northern Laos. In exchange for support of highland peoples led by Touby Ly Foung, the French transport opium harvest to Cholon to their distributor Le Van Vien. French armed forces, ethnic minorities, Binh Xuyen Political, Military Opium, Military Policy, Economics, Finances
53-01-06 Paris, France Vote for René Mayer in National Assembly; opposed by socialists and communists. French political figure Political Parliament, French Politics
53-01-13   DRV initiates the An Khe campaign (ends 28 January 1953) PAVN Military Military Policy
53-01-13   Sihanouk pronounces the dissolution of the National Assembly and arrests Democrat party members. Cambodia Political Opposition, Parliament, Monarchy, Cambodian Politics
53-01-14 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Sihanouk dissolves National Assembly and assumes presidency of the government with Penn Nouth as vice president Cambodia, Associated states Political Opposition, Parliament, Monarchy, Cambodian Politics
53-01-16   Ministerial reshuffle of Nguyen Van Tam's Cabinet. Associated states, Associated states army Political, Military Vietnamese politics, Associated State of Vietnam
53-01-25   Vietnam Workers' Party Fourth Central Executive Committee conference on party discipline among the military and the implementation of land reforms Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political, Military Party discipline, land
53-01-29   Eiji Wajima, representative of the Japanese Ministry of foreign affairs, arrives to establish diplomatic relationships with the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) and to organize the payment of war reparations from WWII Japanese, Associated State Political Diplomacy, Japan, Asia
53-03-03   Letourneau declares some of French forces must be relieved by Viet Nam Army. French political figure Political, Military Military Policy
53-03-05 Moscow, Soviet Union Stalin dies. Soviet Union Political Soviet Union
53-03-09   Le Monde reports that visit of General Mark Clark to Indochina demonstrates that in eyes of Washington the wars in Korea and Viet Nam are one and the same. USA Political Media, Korean war
53-03-15   DRV decree on the creation of the cinema service DRV Social Culture, Cinema
53-03-16   DRV Cabinet issues instructions on rectification (chinh don) of commune level administration DRV Political Centre/Periphery
53-03-20   General Clark's objectives in Indochina: coordination of Tokyo and Saigon general staffs; Viet Nam Army to be trained in American methods. USA, Associated states army Political, Military Military aid, United States
53-03-25   Auriol-Sihanouk talks Cambodia, French political figure Political Meeting, Negotiations
53-03-31   Franco-US negotiations in Indochina end, dominated by US view of interdependence of Asian fronts. US will send aid but not troops to Indochina. USA Political, Military Military aid
53-04-13 Laos DRV army invades Laos, occupies Sam Neua, and moves on Vientiane and Thakhek PAVN Military Battle
53-04-27 Paris, France Creation of position of Commissioner General of France in Indochina. French political figure Political Franco-Cambodian Relations
53-05-01   Unité Mobile de Défense des Chrétiens (UMDC) dissolved, and reformed into regular Light Companies Associated states army Military Military Policy, Catholicism, Religion
53-05-07 Paris, France French Prime Minister René Mayer appoints Navarre to Indochina command. Mayer declares all that is required is an honorable exit. French political figure, French military figure Political Military Policy, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
53-05-11   French devaluation of the Indochinese piaster: 1 Indochinese piaster equals 10 francs   Economy Currency, Exchange rate
53-05-19 Saigon General Navarre arrives in Indochina but returned to Paris shortly thereafter to present "Navarre Plan" to government with American backing French military figure Political Military Policy, United States
53-05-22 Saigon, Cochinchina General Navarre replaces Salan as Commander of army in Indochina; authorized to implement "Navarre Plan". French military figure Political Military Policy
53-05-22 Paris, France René Mayer cabinet falls over serious financial difficulties. French political figure Political French Politics
53-06-01 Mekong Delta My tho and Vinh long transferred to National Army; Hoa Hao uprisings Associated states, Hoa Hao Political Hoa Hao, Military Policy, Opposition, Civil War, Associated State of Vietnam
53-06-08 Paris, France Letourneau writes to Navarre that he fears any investiture of Mendès France would lead to an abandonment of Indochina. French political figure Political French Politics
53-06-15   Rupture between France and Cambodia. Sihanouk leaves Phnom Penh for Thailand. Unable to secure Thai support he returns back to Cambodia and then settles in Battambang to continue his Royal Crusade for Independence. Cambodia, French political figure Political Cambodian Politics, Franco-Cambodian Relations, Monarchy
53-06-16 Paris, France Joseph Laniel wins Prime Minister vote. French political figure Political French Politics
53-06-26 Paris, France Joseph Laniel cabinet sworn in, with Bidault as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Pleven in charge of Defense. French political figure Political French Politics
53-06-26 Cochinchina The Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) faces increased union action and issues the ordinance 26 defining working conditions of plantation workers and creating an agricultural code Civilians, Associated state Political, Social Labor, Associated State of Vietnam
53-06-28   Communal elections held in Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) Associated states Political State formation, Agriculture, Associated State of Vietnam
53-07-01   General O'Daniel proposes to Navarre the dispatch of American military instructors. French armed forces, USA Political, Military Military aid, United States
53-07-03   Laniel government agrees to "perfect" the independence of the Associated States French political figure, Associated states Political Franco-Vietnamese, Franco-Lao, Franco-Cambodian Relations
53-07-07 Paris, France Savary motion: that the SFIO abstain from voting for more money for Indochina war. Socialist congress rejects it in favor of softer policy stressing negotiations. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese, Franco-Lao, Franco-Cambodian Relations
53-07-17 Tonkin Operation "Hirondelle" begins French armed forces Military Military Policy
53-07-24 Paris, France Edgar Faure intervenes against any rise in the budget for Indochina during the National Defense Council meeting and requires Navarre to come up with a less expensive plan. French political figure Political, Economy, Military Economics, Finances, Military Policy
53-07-25 Paris, France For the first time, Navarre considers an airborne operation at Dien Bien Phu. He believes the location will serve to block the enemy's access to Laos French political figure Political, Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
53-07-27 Korea Korean armistice signed. Korean Military Korean War
53-08-01 Viet Bac, Tonkin Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) First All country religion conference, gathering 146 representatives and discussing the DRV and the front policies on religion DRV Political, Social  
53-08-18 France French government send request to Eisenhower for increased assistance (up to 135 million francs). USA, French political figure Military Military aid, United States
53-09-06 Cholon, Cochinchina National Union congress gathering Cao Dai (Pham Cong Tac) and nationalists opposing Bao Dai such as Ngo Dinh Nhu, under the protection of the Binh Xuyen Vietnamese political figure, Cao Dai Political Opposition
53-09-14 Peking, China Radio Beijing says that armistice in Indochina not impossible. Communist China Political Diplomacy, China
53-09-19 Laos;Delta Navarre writes in general instructions that threat to northern Laos seemed 'provisionally reduced' and Delta was most likely to be the main battle site. French military figure Military Military Policy
53-10-04   DRV cabinet promulgates a policy on religious freedom DRV Political, Social Religion
53-10-07   Franco-Cambodian military accord concluded: all territorial command is transferred to the Royal Army of Cambodia, but Expeditionary Corps maintains operational freedom on the Mekong's left bank (meaning eastern Cambodia) Cambodia, French military figure Military, Political Franco-Cambodian Relations, Military Policy
53-10-13 Cholon, Cochinchina Five-point plan issued by Dr Pham Van Ngoi Secretary General of the Vietnamese Socialist Party (Dang Xa Hoi Viet Nam). Vietnamese political figure, Associated states Political Vietnamese Politics
53-10-22 Paris Franco-Lao treaty signed between French and Lao governments. General Navarre and Commissioner general Maurice Déjean presumed this meant French were obligated to defend Laos. French military figure, Lao monarchy Military, Political Franco-Lao Relations
53-10-22     French political figure, Laos Political Independence, Agreement
53-10-27 Paris, France Indochina debate begins in French National Assembly. French political figure Political Franco-Vietnamese, Franco-Lao, Franco-Cambodian Relations
53-10-29 Paris, France Laniel government wins motion to increase size of the armed forces in Indochina, but to negotiate in light of a wider détente emerging in Asia French political figure Political Parliament, Diplomacy, Military Policy
53-11-02 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin Navarre Directive No.852 ordered preparations for airborne assault to retake Dien Bien Phu. French armed forces Military Dien Bien Phu, Military Policy
53-11-06   Cogny response to Navarre: he and staff attach higher priority to defense of Delta, and would need reinforcements if the Forces Terrestres du Nord Vietnam (FTNV) forces diverted to Dien Bien Phu. Repeated request on 9 November 1953. French military figure Military Military Policy
53-11-06   Opération Mouette begins French armed forces Military Military policy
53-11-08 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Sihanouk returns to Phnom Penh victorious Cambodia Political Franco-Cambodian Relations
53-11-09   France accords Cambodia full independence French political figure, Cambodia Political Franco-Cambodian Relations
53-11-11 Hanoi, Tonkin Cogny and staff meet with Berteil to discuss Dien Bien Phu (operation Castor) French military figure Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
53-11-12   Cogny gives Berteil letter for Navarre outlining preparations for 'Castor' French military figure Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
53-11-13 Lai Chau, Tonkin Cogny sends instructions to Lieutenant Colonel Trancart at Lai Chau to secretly plan for withdrawal. French military figure Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
53-11-13 Paris, France Meeting of French Committee on National Defense. French political figure Political Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
53-11-14 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin General Navarre commits to Dien Bien Phu and launches Operation "Castor". French armed forces Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
53-11-15   DRV All-country Party Conference discusses land reform, with Chinese advisers attending. DRV, Communist China Political Agriculture, Land Reform
53-11-15   Operation "Pollux" begins, with withdrawal from Lai chau to Dien Bien Phu, 50 miles south; completed 22 December 1953 French armed forces Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
53-11-15 Thanh Hoa Operation Pelican. French navy launches attacks on the coast of Thanh Hoa French armed forces Military Military Policy
53-11-17 Hanoi, Tonkin Navarre briefs Commissioner general Déjean, Secretary Jacquet, and Prime Minister Nguyen Van Tam on military operations. French armed forces, Associated states Political Military Policy
53-11-20   Landing of French paratroopers in Dien Bien Phu, "Operation Castor" begins. French armed forces Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
53-11-20   Results of French public opinion poll on Indochina published in Le Monde: 78% wanted some sort of negotiations with the DRV or were not even interested. France Political Public opinion, France
53-11-24 Hanoi The Vietnamese federation of Christian laborers declares a general strike Civilians, Unions, Associate state Political, Social Labor, Associated State of Vietnam
53-11-26 Soviet Union USSR proposal for 4-power conference on peace in Europe and Asia; Scheduled for 25 January 1954. Soviet Union Political Soviet Union, Diplomacy
53-11-27 Paris, France Laniel government wins a confidence vote in National Assembly. French political figure Political Parliament, French Politics
53-11-29   Ho Chi Minh responds to questions from L'Expressen referring to hopes for resolving Viet Nam problem diplomatically DRV Political Diplomacy, Geneva
53-12-06 Tonkin DRV decides to attack French at Dien Bien Phu DRV Political, Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
53-12-06   DRV order of general mobilization broadcast, under slogan "Everything for the Front, Everything for Victory!" Viet Minh, DRV Political Mobilization
53-12-08 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin Colonel de Castries takes command of the French camp at Dien Bien Phu French military figure, French armed forces Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
53-12-09 Dien Bien Phu (near), Tonkin Chinese advisor Mei Jiasheng and Hoang Van Thai discuss attack options and agree on quick assault through wave attacks PAVN, Communist China Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
53-12-10 Lai Chau, Tonkin DRV Lai Chau campaign opens (ends 31 December 1954) PAVN Military Military Policy
53-12-15 Laos Beginning of the second battle of Laos designed to draw the French as far from the main battle objective - Dien Bien Phu. Invasion of Laos ends in May 1954, with the fall of Dien Bien Phu PAVN, French armed forces Military Laos, Second Battle of
53-12-19   Government Implents for the first time a full-blown Land reform law. DRV Political, Social, Economy Land Reform, Mobilization, Agriculture,
53-12-19   Ho Chi Minh again refers to possibility of negotiations in radio message to mark anniversary of the commencement of hostilities seven years earlier. DRV Political Diplomacy, Geneva
53-12-23 Paris, France René Coty elected President of France French political figure Political French Politics
53-12-27 Seno 2 Bataillon Etranger Parachutiste (BEP) rushed to Seno in Laos to operate with Groupe Mobile 2 until 1954 January 10, against DRV troops attacking Laos French armed forces Military Laos, Second Battle of
54-01-01   General Navarre informs government that intelligence shows that DRV Heavy Division 351 is moving 37mm AA guns and probably 105mm howitzers into place. If true, Navarre indicates that he can no longer guarantee victory at Dien Bien Phu French military figure Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-01-01   French expeditionary corps numbers some 204,000 men French armed forces Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-01-05 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin General Giap and his general staff arrive at advanced headquarters 9 miles north of Dien Bien Phu. PAVN Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-01-08 Washington, USA US Armed forces chief of staff Radford discusses with President Eisenhower the possibility of bombing DRV troops around Dien Bien Phu. This was known secretly as Operation Vulture USA Political, Military Military aid, United States
54-01-12 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin Vo Nguyen Giap, Chinese advisor Wei Guoqing, and intelligence and logistics officers reach Tuan Giao and meet with Hoang Van Thai from Dien Bien Phu headquarters. Attack plans debated. PAVN, Communist China Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-01-14 Washington, USA Issuance of NSC-5405, an American national security council memorandum stating that the defence of Tonkin is essential to the containment of communism in Southeast Asia USA Political, Military United States, Domino theory
54-01-17 Paris, France President Auriol hands over powers to René Coty. French political figure Political French Politics
54-01-18   DRV organizes the week of Vietnam/China/Soviet Union friendship. Another reference suggest the month of Vietnam China Soviet friendship instead of a week DRV, Communist China, Soviet Union Political, Social Diplomacy, Soviet Union, China
54-01-20 Annam French launch Operation 'Atlante' in southern Central Vietnam. French armed forces Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
54-01-25 Berlin, Germany Berlin Conference fails to agree on Korea but its final communiqué announces a foreign ministers' conference will be convened in Geneva on 26 April 1954 to discuss Korea and Indochina (conference ends February 18) International relations Political Meeting, Conference
54-01-25 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin Vo Nguyen Giap cancels the first attack on Dien Bien Phu Vietnamese military figure, PAVN Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-01-26 Tay Nguyen, Annam DRV's Bac Tay Nguyen campaign begins in the central highlands - Tay Nguyen, Kon Tum, Pleiku, An Khe, in bid to draw the French away from Dien Bien Phu PAVN Military Atlante, Military Policy
54-01-27 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin DRV's Division 308 departs Dien Bien Phu for northern Laos. Start of DRV's Upper Laos campaign begins (ends 13 February 1954). Navarre and Dejean write to Paris asking government to advise Sisavong Vong to move to Vientiane. PAVN, French military figure Military Arrival, battle, Report, Correspondence
54-01-31   French up-to-date 1:25,000 map of Dien Bien Phu area recovered by a DRV reconnaissance unit PAVN Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
54-02-01 Do Son airfield, Tonkin DRV commando night time attack on Do Son airfield results in 4 C-47s destroyed, burning of fuel depot. PAVN Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
54-02-02 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin General O'Daniel visits the camp at Dien Bien Phu USA, French armed forces Political, military Military aid, United States
54-02-03   Comrade Wei Guoqing, senior Chinese advisor tells Vo Nguyen Giap he agrees with decision to postpone the attack on Dien Bien Phu PAVN, Communist China Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-02-06 Paris, France Defense Minister René Pleven tells National Defense Committee that Navarre is specifically asking if he is to defend Laos. French political figure Political Correspondence
54-02-22 New Delhi Nehru calls on parties to Indochina war to agree to immediate cease-fire; proposal endorsed by French Communist Party (FCP) and socialists (SFIO). India, FCP Political Diplomacy, India
54-03-05 Paris, France Laniel sends his ceasefire conditions to Nehru: DRV must evacuate Laos and much of Central Vet Nam, and demilitarized zones must be created around Tonkin delta. Mendes-France criticizes him for secretly wanting to get the US involved in the war. French political figure, India Political Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu, India
54-03-06 Paris, France Parliament debate: US aid budget for Indochina revealed; Mendès France calls for immediate and direct negotiations with Ho Chi Minh. French political figure Political Diplomacy, Military Policy
54-03-08 Gia Lam, Tonkin DRV special forces attack French military air base of Gia Lam near Hanoi PAVN, French armed forces Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
54-03-12 Qui Nhon, Annam French 2nd stage attack on Qui-nhon as part of Atlante operation French armed forces Military Atlante, Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-03-13 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin DRV attacks French camp at Dien Bien Phu. Official beginning of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. DRV opens with a massive artillery barrage at 1705, and an assault on Beatrice an hour later. PAVN Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-03-15 DBP, Tonkin DRV neutralizes Dien Bien Phu air strip PAVN, DRV, French armed forces Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
54-03-23   American Secretary of State John Foster Dulles' declaration on Indochina issued USA Political Military Policy, United States
54-03-25   Navarre to Marc Jacquet: unprecedented amounts of war materiel being supplied from China. Communist China Military Military aid, China
54-03-27 Auxerre, France Marshal Juin expresses opposition to creation of a European Army. French military figure Political Europe
54-03-31 Saigon, Cochinchina American Ambassador Donald Heath sends the Department of State a digest of events at Dien Bien Phu, which "reeks of impending disaster". USA Political Military aid, United States
54-04-02 Washington, USA Without British collaboration, Eisenhower refuses to endorse Operation Vulture (Opération Vautour) USA, French armed forces Political, Military Military aid, United States
54-04-04 Paris, France Prime Minister Laniel makes formal request for US air intervention at Dien Bien Phu. French political figure, USA Political, Military Military aid, United States
54-04-07   De Gaulle press conference: criticizes idea of European Defense Community; France must end war in Indochina. French military figure Political Military Policy
54-04-22 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin Meeting of Front Military Committee; Vo Nguyen Giap outlines intentions for 3rd offensive phase to bring down the enemy camp as negotiations at Geneva set to commence PAVN Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle, Military Policy
54-04-26 Geneva Opening of the Geneva conference International relations Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-04-28   Franco-Vietnamese declaration on the independence of the Associated State of Vietnam (ASV) French political figure, Associated State Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations, Bao Dai, Associated State of Vietnam, Military Policy
54-04-29 Washington American President Eisenhower's declaration on Indochina USA Political Diplomacy, United States
54-05-04 Paris, France Laniel forced to call for another vote of confidence and obtains it. French political figure Political French Politics
54-05-07 Dien Bien Phu, Tonkin Dien Bien Phu falls to the DRV. The French camp under de Castries capitulates at 17h30 PAVN, French armed forces Military Dien Bien Phu, Battle
54-05-07 Geneva, Switzerland Conference at Geneva takes up the issue of Indochina. Pham Van Dong heads the delegation. DRV, French political figure Political Diplomacy, Geneva, United States
54-05-07   Letters exchanges between President Eisenhower and French President Coty. USA, French political figure Political Diplomacy, United States
54-05-11 Paris, France Laniel calls for another vote of confidence; wins by only two votes. French political figure Political French Politics
54-05-19   Pham Cong Tac signs a protocol accepting the integration of the Cao Dai forces into the army of the State of Vietnam. Cao Dai, French armed forces, Associated states army Political, Military Cao Dai, Religion, State of Vietnam
54-05-24 Bern Icy meeting at Geneva between Zhou Enlai and American counterpart Walter Bedell Smith. Communist China, USA Political Diplomacy, Geneva, United States, China
54-05-25   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) implementation of stage I of the land reform following test cases in Thai Nguyen province. The implementation takes place in Thai Nguyen and Thanh Hoa provinces and ends 20/9/54 DRV Political, Social Land Reform, Mobilization, Agriculture,
54-05-26 Geneva Pham Van Dong hints at possibility of accepting preliminary partition of Vietnam in order to obtain an accord DRV Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-06-04   General Navarre relieved of his command as commander-in-chief of the Indochina theater; to be replaced by General Salan. French armed forces, French military figure Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
54-06-05   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) Land Reform Central Committee meets in order to assess the results of the implementation in Thai Nguyen and Thanh Hoa DRV Political, Social Land Reform, Mobilization, Agriculture,
54-06-12 Paris, France Laniel government falls. French political figure Political French Politics
54-06-14 Nam Dinh, Tonkin Strike at the Nam Dinh textile mill   Social Labor
54-06-16   Bao Dai appoints Ngo Dinh Diem as Prime Minister. Associated states, Vietnamese political figure Political Vietnamese politics, State of Vietnam
54-06-18 Paris, France Pierre Mendès France replaces Laniel (voted out on June 8) as Prime Minister. Latter resumes talks at the Geneva conference. He gives one month to all parties to find a solution or else he will resign. French political figure Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-06-23   Mendes France and Zhou Enlai meet in Bern French political figure, Communist China Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-06-25 Saigon Ngo Dinh Diem arrives in Saigon to form a new government Vietnamese political figure Political Vietnamese politics, State of Vietnam
54-06-25 India Zhou Enlai travels to India in order to talk to Nehru about the Geneva negotiations and the situation in Asia Communist China, India Political Diplomacy, China, India
54-06-28   Vo Nguyen Giap cables Nguyen Khang on Laos, separating the system of advisors from the volunteer army. PAVN Military Laos
54-06-30 Tonkin Operation "Auvergne" begins, aimed at withdrawing French forces from Catholic area of Phat Diem Bui Chu. French armed forces Military Military Policy, Dien Bien Phu
54-07-03 Liuzhou, China Beginning of the Luizhou talks in southern China between Zhou Enlai and Ho Chi Minh (with Hoang Van Hoan and Vo Nguyen Giap) Communist China, DRV Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-07-04 Trung Gia, Tonkin Joint Military commission meeting between French and the DRV PAVN, French armed forces Military Diplomacy, Geneva
54-07-06   Diem forms his new government Vietnamese political figure Political Vietnamese politics, State of Vietnam
54-07-07   DRV and China sign 1954 trade agreement. Communist China, DRV Political, Economy Trade, Economics
54-07-07 DBP Tonkin Several women of North African and Vietnamese origins, serving as nurses and in the Bordel militaire de campagne count among the prisoners caught French armed forces, Social, Military War prisoner, women
54-07-10 Geneva Mendès France meets Molotov French political figure, Soviet Union Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-07-15   Sixth Plenum of the Worker's Party Central Executive Committee Viet Minh, Vietnamese Communist Political Meeting
54-07-21 Geneva Signing of the armistices ending the Indochina War DRV, French political figure, International relations Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-07-22   Letter from Pham Van Dong to Pierre Mendès France calling for friendly Franco-Viet Nam relations DRV Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
54-08-06 Laos Cease fire in Laos enters into effect French armed forces Military, Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-08-07 Paris, France Sainteny nominated by Mendès France as French Delegate-General to North Viet Nam. French military figure Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
54-08-07 Cambodia Cease fire in Cambodia enters into effect French armed forces Military, Political Diplomacy, Geneva
54-08-10 Hanoi Arrival of the International Control and Supervision Commission International relations, DRV, French armed forces Political, Military Diplomacy, Geneva
54-09-08 Manilla, Philippines Alliance of South East Asian nations established, the South East Asia Treat Organization or SEATO. French represented by Guy La Chambre. International relations Political Asia, Domino Theory, United States
54-10-01   DRV decree exempting from punishment persons who collaborated with the enemy. DRV Political, Social Justice, Vietnamese politics
54-10-09 Hanoi, Tonkin French evacuate Hanoi French armed forces Political, Military Evacuation, Franco-Vietnamese Relations
54-10-10 Hanoi, Tonkin DRV reoccupies Hanoi DRV Political Occupation, Franco-Vietnamese relations
54-10-21 Hanoi, Tonkin Sainteny to Guy La Chambre: positive report on his meeting with Ho Chi Minh and Pham Van Dong. DRV, French political figure Political Meeting, Correspondence
54-11-01   Beginning of the Algerian War French armed forces Military, Political Algerian War
54-11-08 Saigon, Cochinchina Special US ambassador arrives in Saigon USA Political Diplomacy, United States
54-11-13   Repatriation of initial 40,000 Vietnamese to South Vietnam, with tens of thousands more to follow Civilians Social Evacuation, Vietnamese Politics, Refugees, United States, Cold War, Geneva
54-11-29 Cannes, France Bao Dai removes General Nguyen Van Hinh from head of the army of the State of Vietnam, now relocated to southern Vietnam below the 17th parallel Vietnamese military figure, Associated states Political, Military Armed forces reorganization
54-12-08 Tonkin Deo Van Long, president of the Tai Federation leaves Lai Chau for Hanoi and then goes into exile in France Ethnic minorities Political, Vietnamese political figure Evacuation, Ethnic minority, Tai Federation
54-12-13 Saigon, Cochinchina General Ely and Collins sign accord: French will give full autonomy to State of Vietnam army from 1 July 1955. The United States will assume its training and supplying. USA, Associated states army, French armed forces Political, Military Military aid, United States
54-12-18 Paris, France Mendès France and John Foster Dulles approve Ely-Collins accord. USA, French political figure Political Military aid, United States
54-12-30   Pham Van Dong interview with Western journalists: wishes to establish economic relations with France DRV Political, Economy Franco-Vietnamese Relations
54-12-30   French accords State of Viet Nam total economic and financial independence. French political figure, Associated states Political Franco-Vietnamese Relations
54-12-30 Parus Accords and conventions signed between Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and France. The states are now monetarily independent and may receive direct American aid starting 1 January 1955 French political figure, Cambodia, Laos, Associated state of Vietnam, USA Political, Economy Currency, Banking, Finances, Military Aid, United States
54-12-31 Washington, USA Declaration of US State Department on direct assistance to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos USA Political Military aid, United States
57-09-27   Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) fourth all country military conference, focusing on the Northern battlefield DRV, PAVN Political, Military Meeting
45-09-25 Saigon Hérault massacre occurs during the early hours of September 24th when hundreds of Europeans were taken hostage and dozens are killed, especially metis (mixed blood) French civilians Social Violence, Social unrest, Massacre, Hérault