143. Editorial Note
According to first-hand reports from Saigon, skirmishing between the Vietnamese National Army (VNA) and the Binh Xuyen—similar to that which had occurred sporadically during the past few days—began at midday (Saigon time) April 28 in the Saigon–Cholon [Page 300] area. At 12:15 p.m. mortars fired by an unknown group landed in a nearby Binh Xuyen-controlled area wounding six or seven French soldiers guarding an electric power plant. Then at 1:15 p.m. the Binh Xuyen shelled the Presidential Palace with mortar rounds. Diem, who was in residence at the Palace, telephoned Ely and informed him that if the shelling did not stop, he would order the VNA to return fire. The shelling attack continued and Diem sent the army into action. Heavy fighting continued during the afternoon. Reports of the outbreak of fighting are in telegrams 4860 and 4881 from Saigon and telegram MC 976–55 from the United States Army Attaché in Saigon, April 28. (Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/4–2855)
Lansdale was in close contact with Diem during the afternoon of April 28. For his account of the fighting and the immediate events surrounding it, see In the Midst of Wars, pages 282–291.