11. Telegram From the Chargé in Vietnam (Elting) to the Department of State1
2007. Re Embtel 1756.2 Chau came to see me at my house yesterday afternoon to tell me had submitted his resignation in writing to the President that morning. Having told Ambassador of his oral resignation last month, Chau wanted us to know sequel. He had no idea what action President would take. (At his farewell dinner for Fishel last night Diem said nothing to me about Chau resignation.)
In rather agitated manner, Chau explained he had put up with many frustrations and even humiliations but could no longer justify to himself sticking to the job in the face of determined Can Lao Party efforts to get rid of him which, in addition to using personal divorce issue, have included at various time rumors campaigns alleging him to be neutralist, pro-communist, and most recently anti-French and anti-American.
Chau appeared genuinely and deeply concerned by growing party meddling in government and accompanying dissatisfaction [Page 30] among civil service and middle class elements, particularly in south. If trend continues he foresees serious trouble within twelve months.
If resignation accepted Chau plans remain home quietly for while after which he would like to travel, particularly to US.
Comment: Contrary to line he took with Ambassador critical of Diem as reported reftel, Chau said nothing to me against President confining his criticism to party.
His motivation for resigning appears to be mixture of three elements: 1) persecution by Mme Nhu for seeking divorce her sister; 2) pressures exerted by party to get rid of someone who tried, however ineffectually, to buck their control; and 3) protest against ever-increasing authoritarianism of regime.
As to his reason for informing us so promptly we suspect it is partly as insurance against possible party rough stuff.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.13/3–3058. Secret; Limit Distribution.↩
- Document 5.↩