147. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1
1171. Appreciate very much prompt and full reports contained urtels 1095, 1096.2
Due very serious situation in Hue and grave implications for future, appears here that immediate GVN action required. We would recommend that GVN make quick conciliatory announcement, in Hue, of willingness discuss Buddhist grievances. Ideally announcement should be from Diem and include statement he coming to Hue himself to talk with Buddhist leaders. At same time troops should be withdrawn and replaced with police or gendarmerie. Seems most unlikely that chief bonzes are in fact VC and we even more doubtful Quyen (who well known here) could be VC. GVN must avoid mistake of identifying demonstrators and their leaders as automatically VC, both in public and in private, if it is to succeed in efforts control situation.
Feeling here is that GVN must be made to realize extent not only their own stake in amiable settlement with Buddhists but U.S. stake as well and that frequent approaches best way accomplish this. Realize, however, only man on ground can keep up with fast moving situation and you therefore authorized at your discretion seek immediate interview with Diem or with Thuan as you think best to urge necessary measures in strongest terms.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET Secret; Operational Immediate. Drafted by Heavner and cleared by Wood and Hilsman. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
- In telegram 1095 from Saigon, June 3, midnight, the Embassy reported that Hue was effectively under martial law and tense but quiet. The Embassy noted that Consul Helble had reported that South Vietnamese troops had used tear gas and “possibly another type of gas which caused skin blisters” to disperse Buddhist demonstrators. (Ibid.) Regarding telegram 1096 from Saigon, see footnote 2, Document 146.↩