Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume III, Vietnam, January–August 1963

142. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State¹

Saigon, June 1, 1963, 1 p.m.

1085. CINCPAC for POLAD. Reference: Embassy telegram 1083.² Consul Helble reports from Hue (1030 AM) that large crowds Buddhists gathering various places throughout city. One crowd converging on offices Province Chief and provincial delegate, where former has promised convey to Buddhists GVN reaction to Buddhist demands. Another crowd expected total about ten thousand beginning gather Tu Dam Pagoda. Hunger strike of bonzes scheduled end at 1400³ with no clear indication Buddhist plans for later today if dissatisfied with GVN response. Crowds very orderly up till now; however many unverified rumors that Buddhists will not remain passive throughout day.

Large number of police positioned in city and augmented by paratroopers and M-113 vehicles from Quang Tri. Total number police and troops in excess number involved May 8 incident.

Situation considered tense and could erupt in violence if sparked by either side. Chief bonze Tri Quang, among staunchest of militants, has reportedly stated earlier this week, that situation in his view beyond compromise and, in direct confrontation with GVN, Buddhists should seek help from any source, including VC.

Reports from Danang indicate that approximately 0800 parade of Buddhist about 60 bonzes and 12 Buddhist nuns proceeded to Mayor’s office. They carried international Buddhist flag and did not carry Vietnamese flag.

They now standing and sitting across street from his office. Street cleared of all civilians by police and soldiers for 3 blocks. Crowd started to collect and reached total of approximately 2000 on fringe areas by 0900 and were dispersed shortly thereafter by newly arrived troops with steel helmets and sub-machine guns.⁴

Situation in Saigon quiet.

Trueheart

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET Confidential; Priority. Repeated to CINCPAC.
2. Document 140.
3. Buddhist leaders in Hue were not mollified by the communique on religious freedom which was issued by the Diem government on May 29 and reaffirmed by the National Assembly on May 31. On May 30, the bonzes in Hue began a 48-hour hunger strike to emphasize Buddhist demands. The protest continued despite a government announcement on June 1 that the Province Chief, the Deputy Province Chief, and the Government Delegate for the Central Region of Vietnam were being replaced. All three had been involved in the May 8 incident in Hue.
4. At 5:30 p.m. on June 1, Helble reported to the Embassy in Saigon that the crowds in Hue had dispersed peacefully after being told by the bonzes to return to their homes. Helble noted that Buddhist plans called for a continuation of the hunger strike, but all the Buddhist tracts emphasized that only peaceful activities be employed until Buddhist demands were met. (Telegram 1089 from Saigon; Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET)