Operation Passage to Freedom

Japan withdrew from northern Vietnam,
And France soon tried to retake their control.
But, Minh and Communists declared new nom.
The north is red. And fear would take it's toll.

Geneva conference was held to split.
Elections planned for all Vietnamese.
To cross the border north and south permit,
Not one or ten: a million chose to flee.

The propaganda writ by Lansdale spread,
Moved Catholics to travel south by swarms.
Dissent among the native Buddhists bled,
The unity. Mistrust of all deforms.

Instead of seeing one new country soar,
Divide endured, and both sides fell to war.