751G.00/9–854: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Department of State
Secto 21. Repeated information Paris 13, Saigon 161. Reference Secto 18, repeated Paris 11, Saigon 155.1 Senator Mansfield,2 accompanied by Kidder, counselor Saigon, saw Minister La Chambre today at latter’s request. La Chambre reiterated much of what he told Secretary, as reported reftel.
[Page 2013]La Chambre emphasized necessity meeting soon between French and Americans in order coordinate intimately political and economic policy. This as well as strengthening of Vietnamese Government essential if ever-increasing Communist infiltration and intimidation in remaining Vietnam to be stopped. Daridan has reported to La Chambre that Diem totally ineffectual, that although a man of goodwill, he is not man of will. La Chambre willing go along with Diem if Diem could really re-organize government and get support of sects, but apparently places little hope in such contingency, particularly since Diem is not from south and Cochin Chinese indifferent to northern leadership.
La Chambre sent Ambassador De Jean to see Bao Dai over past week end to inform Bao Dai in response his request for French opinion that Bao Dai should not return to Vietnam.
With regard to possible alternatives to expanded Diem Government, La Chambre mentioned Tran Van Huu who he characterized as best politician available. However, Huu has no character and no will. Tam he rules out as Prime Minister but insists he must be Minister of Interior in whatever government is formed, as he only man capable of controlling police and counteracting Communist expansion. Tam would bring to any government support of sects. La Chambre also mentioned Buu Hoi who, however, has defect of having been 15 years out of country. Raphael Leygues, who in Vietnam on mission as personal representative of La Chambre but without any authority, had suggested Buu Hoi who La Chambre understands is favorably viewed by sects. In reply to La Chambre question, Kidder stated he had found Buu Hoi politically extremely naive. La Chambre then developed theory that whoever Prime Minister might be, he could be to some extent figurehead with real power held by other ministers. Buu Hoi is also member Royal Family and would lend some aspect legitimacy to government in case Bao Dai should be removed, which might be necessary within two to three months. Raphael Leygues will return Paris in about one week and La Chambre will give serious consideration to his report.
In response Senator Mansfield’s question re General Hinh, La Chambre expressed considerable disgust but gave no detailed views.
Senator Mansfield thanked La Chambre for frank expression views and expressed opinion that change in government every few weeks in Vietnam extremely unhealthy and that in absence good alternative we believe Diem government should be supported and encouraged broaden basis government so as to make it effective. He said he was looking forward seeing General Ely in Saigon and La Chambre later in Paris.
- See footnote 1, p. 2007.↩
- Senator Mansfield was a member of the U.S. Delegation to the Manila Conference. He visited Indochina both before and after the conference in connection with the report he was preparing as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Regarding the report, see footnote 2, p. 1997.↩