Hanoi (VNA) - The archival documents are original artifacts that allow the public to access authentic and reliable sources of historical data regarding the takeover of the Hanoi capital on October 10, 1954.
When the documents 'speak'
On September 24, in anticipation of the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - 2024), the National Archives Center III introduced a series of original archival images and documents that recreate the glorious historical moments of the nation and the capital as the Geneva Accords were signed in 1954.
The selected documents come from various sources, including the National Assembly, the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Transport, as well as personal collections from photographer Nguyen Ba Khoan, photo collector Dang Tich, Professor Hoang Minh Giam, composer Van Cao, composer Nguyen Duc Toan, composer Huy Du. Many of these documents have been newly declassified and annotated to be released at the event.
Immediately after the Geneva Accords were signed in August-September 1954, the Government held several meetings to implement the agreement, including the takeover of the Hanoi capital. On September 12, 1954, the Government Council issued a decision on organising the capital takeover, outlining eight policies and 10 rules for military personnel, officials, and staff entering the city to take over. It established the Hanoi Administrative Committee alongside the Military Committee of the city.
Some documents will be publicly released, such as the programme, plan, and personnel for the capital takeover, including documents regarding the establishment of the Hanoi Administrative Committee, and the Official Dispatch No. 236-TTg dated July 27, 1954 of the Prime Minister's Office regarding plans to guide and direct the recovery of former townships and cities. Official Dispatch No. 1678 ZYO/3 dated August 20, 1954 of the Ministry of Health on sending youth volunteers for the takeover is also part of the collection, also featuring the Finance Ministry's plan for the capital takeover.
On the morning of October 10, 1954, military units led by the Military Committee of the city and Division 308 commanded by Major General Vuong Thua Vu, Commander of the Hanoi Front, formed several large groups to march in and take over the capital city.
The National Archives Center III has preserved reports on the reception of troops and government officials on October 10, 1954, and photographs of French soldiers retreating along the capital’s streets. The center also preserved photographs of soldiers taking over the Flagpole of Hanoi, women welcoming the liberation army, and the sacred flag-raising ceremony on the afternoon of October 10, 1954. The archives center also has a series of reports on the takeover situation on the one-day and one-month marks, among other key memorabilia.
Important historical documents
According to Colonel Duong Niet (born in 1934) - a historical witness, the archival documents introduced contain reliable information about the Vietnamese military and people’s takeover of the capital. The documents confirm the Party’s sound leadership based on the people, as well as the resilient and indomitable spirit of the people and soldiers of Hanoi.
“Thanks to the Party's guidelines and policies, the capital takeover occurred in peace and joy, becoming an unforgettable memory for all who witnessed and participated in,” he stated.
According to Deputy Director of the State Records and Archives Department Nguyen Thi Nga, the work of collecting, preserving, and introducing documents is very meaningful. It reflects the responsibility and role of the archives agency in the mission of publishing and promoting the value of archival documents to enable the public to access important and authentic historical documents regarding the most significant event in the capital.
“The archival documents reveal the foresight and early preparation of the Party and the Government for the capital takeover. They made correct, detailed decisions for each ministry and sector to facilitate a smooth takeover, creating socio-political stability and improving the people's lives,” she noted.
On this occasion, several historical witnesses, including Colonel Duong Niet and journalist-photographer Trinh Hai, founding member of the Vietnam Photographic Artists Association, donated some documents and images. Nga confirmed that the National Archives Center III will supplement them to its archives to serve the archival and exhibition work, thereby enhancing the value of these historical documents.
These documents and images will be introduced to the public at an exhibition entitled “Hanoi - Memories of the Takeover Days,”. Scheduled for October 2 at 61 Trang Tien street, it is organised by the National Archives Center III in collaboration with the Information Center under the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports./.
