Quote by Dwight D Eisenhower
I am convinced that the French could not win the war because the internal political situation in Vietnam, weak and confused, badly weakened their military position. I have never talked or corresponded with a person knowledgeable in Indochinese affairs who did not agree that had elections been held as of the time of the fighting, possibly 80 per cent of the population would have voted for the Communist Ho Chi Minh as their leader rather than Chief of State Bao Dai. Indeed, the lack of leadership and drive on the part of Bao Dai was a factor in the feeling prevalent among Vietnamese that they had nothing to fight for. As one Frenchman said to me, What Vietnam needs is another Syngman Rhee, regardless of all the difficulties the presence of such a personality would entail.
Summary
This quote suggests that the French were unable to win the war in Vietnam due to the weak internal political situation and lack of support for their leadership. The speaker, who has knowledge of Indochinese affairs, believes that if elections had been held during the conflict, a significant majority of the population would have voted for the Communist leader Ho Chi Minh over Chief of State Bao Dai. The quote highlights the perception that the Vietnamese lacked a clear motive to fight and emphasizes the need for a strong and driven leader like Syngman Rhee in Vietnam, despite the potential challenges this might present.
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.
Random Quotations
