The
Elysée Accords were an agreement signed at the
Élysée Palace on March 9, 1949 by ex-emperor
Bảo Đại which gave
Vietnam greater independence from
France. The Accords received final ratification by the French National Assembly on January 29, 1950 and were signed by President
Vincent Auriol on February 2. The agreement was intended to increase
U.S. support for France’s actions in
Indochina as well as to convince
Bảo Đại 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 granting complete independence.