Tan Trao National Congress: The second 'Dien Hong Conference' in Vietnam's history

The Tan Trao National Congress, held from August 16-17, 1945, is remembered as a pivotal moment in Vietnamese history, often referred to as the second "Dien Hong Conference." This assembly elected the National Liberation Committee, which functioned as a provisional government with Ho Chi Minh as its president and Tran Huy Lieu as vice president.

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I participated in the Viet Minh delegation from Hanoi to attend the Tan Trao National Congress, led by comrade Vu Oanh. Our delegation included myself, comrade Tan, Ms. Nhu (Vietnam Women's Newspaper), comrade Bao who has since sacrificed... a total of 7 people.

Eighty-one years later, most direct witnesses to the congress have passed away. However, surviving memoirs and historical records allow for a partial reconstruction of this significant event. These accounts shed light on the atmosphere and the delegates' experiences.

Participants like Vu Quang, former First Secretary of the Central Youth Union, recalled joining the Viet Minh delegation from Hanoi. He described the journey to the resistance zone and the sense of purpose among young people eager to contribute to the struggle against the Japanese occupation. The delegates, including workers and women representatives, were selected for their commitment and readiness for action.

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At that time (1945), I was 23 years old, still young. When we received orders from our superiors that we were preparing to go to the resistance zone, our hearts were filled with excitement. Because the youth of Hanoi at that time heard the word 'resistance zone' and felt immense joy.

Van Tan, a worker from the Avia factory, shared his youthful enthusiasm upon receiving orders to head to the "resistance zone," a term that evoked excitement and a sense of mission. Nha sĩ Nguyen Duong Hong, a delegate from Bac Giang province, recounted the arduous journey to Tan Trao, which took over ten days due to circuitous routes and waiting for transportation.

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The road to Tan Trao was not far, but we had to go around, and also wait for transportation, so it took more than 10 days in total to arrive.

Upon arrival, the Hanoi delegation stayed in Vo Nguyen Giap's workspace. Surrounded by revolutionary materials, they immersed themselves in study. Giap informed them that the congress would convene in about a month, prompting some delegates to travel to nearby areas for propaganda work. During this period, Ho Chi Minh visited the delegates, inquiring about their well-being and the conditions of Hanoi's workers, demonstrating his personal connection to the people.

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We were very young at the time. I was 19 years old, Ms. Nhu was probably younger. Later, Mr. Vo Nguyen Giap informed us that the congress would be held in about a month. So our delegation split into two groups to go down to the surrounding areas to propagandize the people.