Meaning: The quote in question refers to the efforts made by Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Vietnamese nationalist movement, to bring attention to the situation in Indochina during the mid-20th century. It highlights his success in drawing the attention of progressive French circles to the struggles of the Vietnamese people, despite the initial lack of response from the French government.

During this period, Indochina, which encompassed present-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, was under French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh, a key figure in the Vietnamese independence movement, sought to garner international support for the cause of Vietnamese independence and to raise awareness about the oppressive conditions under French colonial rule.

The reference to France turning a deaf ear to the demands likely reflects the resistance and indifference of the French colonial authorities to the calls for independence and improved conditions in Indochina. Despite the lack of a positive response from the French government, Ho Chi Minh's efforts were not in vain, as he managed to attract attention from progressive French circles.

Wilfred Burchett, the journalist credited with this quote, was an Australian reporter known for his coverage of the Vietnam War and his sympathetic stance towards the Vietnamese people's struggle for independence. Burchett's reporting often focused on highlighting the experiences and perspectives of the Vietnamese people, and he was critical of Western colonial powers' actions in the region.

Ho Chi Minh's success in attracting great publicity in progressive French circles demonstrates the power of advocacy and awareness-raising in influencing public opinion and international discourse. By drawing attention to the situation in Indochina, Ho Chi Minh and his supporters aimed to build solidarity with like-minded individuals and groups who were sympathetic to the cause of decolonization and self-determination for oppressed peoples.

In the context of the broader anti-colonial and anti-imperialist movements of the 20th century, Ho Chi Minh's efforts align with the strategies employed by many nationalist leaders seeking to leverage international support for their causes. By engaging with sympathetic individuals and organizations in colonial powers such as France, Ho Chi Minh sought to create pressure for change from within those countries.

The quote is significant in highlighting the role of advocacy, media, and international solidarity in the struggles for independence and self-determination. It underscores the importance of reaching out to progressive voices within colonial powers and leveraging their influence to amplify the voices of oppressed peoples.

Overall, the quote by Wilfred Burchett encapsulates the challenges and successes of Ho Chi Minh's efforts to raise awareness about the situation in Indochina and to garner international support for the Vietnamese independence movement. It serves as a reminder of the power of advocacy and publicity in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes, even in the face of initial indifference or resistance from those in power.