01/09/2025
02.09.1945 is the 80th anniversary of declaration of Independence. It is worth listening to the declaration....
https://youtu.be/7aBnz6GiT1g?si=-aNtJn1X6u7qPMzz
Several notable foreigners were present at Ba Dinh Square during Ho Chi Minh's Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, as international observers and representatives of Allied powers.
# # Key Foreign Attending
- **Major Archimedes L. A. Patti (OSS, USA):** Patti, head of the US Office of Strategic Services (precursor of the CIA) in Indochina, attended with his team and had been closely involved in discussions with Ho Chi Minh before the ceremony. Patti's memoirs recount witnessing the event and his consultations with Ho Chi Minh regarding the declaration's draft.
- **Major Allison Thomas (OSS, USA) and the Deer Team:** OSS operatives who had worked alongside the Viet Minh were present with their American and Vietnamese colleagues.
- **Soviet representative Stéphane Solosieff:** The Soviet Union was represented among the Allied presence at the rally.
- **Republic of China Army:** Representatives of the Chinese Nationalist Army, which entered northern Vietnam to disarm Japanese forces per Allied agreement, also attended the celebration.
- **French envoy Jean Sainteny:** Sainteny was present as the Free French representative, observing the proceedings and later reflecting on the significance of the event in his memoirs
# # Notes on International Representation
- Aerial symbolism was provided by two American Lightning fighter planes flying low over the square during the event, which local propaganda interpreted as a sign of American support
- The presence of these foreign guests underscored the global significance of Vietnam's declaration of independence and the complex diplomatic context immediately following World War II
International participation at Ba Dinh Square highlighted connections between the Viet Minh government and the Allied powers during a pivotal moment in Vietnamese and world history.
On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, opening a new era in the history of Vietnam. The event was also witnessed by many foreigners, including American intelligence officer Archim...
