The first land auctions to fund expanding the Indochinese secondary education system began today in Saigon, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh. It is designed to couple with the land reform. "It has been our intention to establish agricultural development as the foundation of greater economic, political, and social development in Indochina." remarked Paul Duval, Colonial Administrator in Phnom Penh. "In the past, a rentier class absorbed all agricultural surplus, resulting in a failure to adopt more productive agricultural techniques. We have been taxing rental income, and have accumulated sufficient funds to pay compensation to landowners. In this, we have learned from Russian experience from freeing the Serfs, who were then burdened with decades of "redemption payments" which became a severe impediment to bettering people's lives. In our reform, the people who have worked the land now own the land, with full legal title. Their wealth has grown, and the present land sales provide an opportunity for the successful to expand their holdings."
Duval's office, 27 December 1932
"You have seen the news from Bangkok, concerning the expansion of Siam's military forces sir?"
"I have. His Majesty, it seems, is determined to modernize his forces. Five hundred aircraft... quite a remarkable number. And tanks too."
"How are we to counter this development?"
"Why, we just have, to a degree. And when we begin developing a ship maintenance industry, and shipbuilding, that degree will increase."
"But how?"
"Elementary. War is the continuation of politics, and the most important factor in war is the political. If he attacks, His Majesty will enjoy no more success than our own Napoleon did in Spain. Less, even. For the modern techniques of war require vastly greater maintenance and support than those of Napoleon's time, and those providing supply and maintenance will become ever more vulnerable to a People in Arms operating in the enemy rear, who know the land, and who will make the greatest sacrifices in defense of their homes, their land, and their increasingly bright future. It is our task to give the people something to live for. If we do, they will certainly fight for it. They are strong, intelligent, and determined. If we develop and unleash their capabilities, I have complete confidence in victory."
Colonial Administrator's office, Saigon
Nguyen Ai Quec, as you can see, your effort at the Versailles Conference is beginning to bear fruit, in a way that, perhaps, you did not expect. We understand that in the long term, the present position here is not supportable. At some point, if the present way continues, the history of this people's resistance to Chinese domination will have a chapter of resistance to French control added to it. We are determined that there be no reason for all that, to our mutual detriment. Allow me to be direct. We have observed your travels, to France, the United States, England, Russia. We have heard your speeches and read your writings. You know how to organize, and how to motivate. These qualities will have great scope here, whatever the outcome of the plebecite."
"You have given me much to consider. Thank you."
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