751G.00/9–954: Telegram
The Ambassador in Vietnam (Heath) to the Department of State
priority
933. Repeated information Paris 312. Prime Minister Diem sent word to me urgently this afternoon, September 9, by Dr. Fishel that his agents had uncovered plot by Hinh and officers of National Army to overthrow government.
According Diem his agent had attended meeting held Saigon 5 p.m. September 5 of 16 National Army officers including Hinh and two of his most trusted henchmen, Colonels Lam and Giai (G–6 and G–5 respectively). Several sector Commandants and other members Hinh’s staff among those present. Hinh reported to have called meeting to order, described critical situation facing Vietnam and inaction civil government under Diem. Hinh said it was up to National Army to save Vietnam and he left matter up to assembled officers, making his own departure from meeting at this point. Colonel Lam then took over unfurling banner bearing Nationalist slogan. In speech to assembled group Lam is said to have listed things that army was “against” including civil government led by Diem, Communism, Bao Dai and colonialism. Remarks against Bao Dai reported to have received considerable response with several officers shouting “down with Bao Dai”. When Lam pronounced against colonialism, voice from group is reported to have enquired “what kind of colonialism?” Lam is said to have made puzzling reply “Chinese colonialism”.
Letters from various “Nationalist groups” calling on army to save nation were read assembled officers. Considerable discussion ensued by [but] officers were unable to agree on immediate course of action and adjourned.
Above events immediately reported Diem who called in Secretary of State in Defense Ministry Chan1 and talked over matter with him. Decision was reached to arrest Lam and Giai but not General Hinh as they felt there was not enough information available concerning Hinh and also because they feared for some reason arrest of Hinh would disclose Diem’s informant. At Diem’s order Chan placed Lam and Giai under house arrest September 8. This may have been mistake as Hinh has had ample opportunity talk with them since their arrest. Hinh appealed to Diem night of September 8 and again morning September 9 to be permitted punish officers himself on grounds they are young misguided Nationalists who had been led astray by impatience at inaction of government.
Considerable verbal fencing reported to have taken place between Diem and Hinh as to whether officers were alone in plot and over [Page 2015] nature and extent of evidence possession Diem. Diem gave impression to Hinh he had considerable evidence but did not indicate directly that he knew of Hinh’s personal involvement. In midst of discussion Hinh suggested that perhaps he should “go on leave”. Diem immediately took him up, saying “Good! How long will you be away?” Hinh asked for time to think matter over but Diem insisted on immediate answer. Hinh suggested three months but Diem countered with demand he take six months leave. Hinh departed to reflect but returned for further discussion with Diem afternoon September 9. Nature this discussion not known at present.
Diem sent word to me through Fishel that he urgently requested me see Ely at once and inform him of foregoing. Diem would like Ely to call in Hinh and pointedly urge him to take his leave in France at once.
I plan to see Ely at 7 o’clock this evening to discuss matters and will report further.
- Le Ngoc Chan.↩