The
Elysee Accords were an agreement made in 1949 which would give
Vietnam greater independence from
France. The agreement was intended to increase US-support for France's actions in
Indochina as well as to convince ex-emperor
Bao Dai that France would give Vietnam greater independence. The accords stated that Vietnam could conduct its own foreign affairs, control its finances and have an army although the agreements fell short of complete independence.
The agreements led to US moving from a position of neutrality to supporting Bao Dai. The French portrayed their actions in Indochina as fighting the communism of Ho Chi Minh while attempting to regain control of their colonies after World War II.
See also