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

167. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam¹

Washington, June 11, 1963, 11:03 p.m.

1207. In our judgment the Buddhist situation is dangerously near the breaking point. Accordingly, you authorized to tell Diem that in the United States view it is essential for the GVN promptly to take dramatic action to regain confidence of Buddhists and that the GVN must fully and unequivocally meet Buddhist demands as set forth in Embtel 1038.² Furthermore, we believe that meeting these demands must be done in a public and dramatic fashion if confidence is to be restored.

You further authorized to tell Diem that unless GVN is willing to take effective action along the above lines within the next few days the US will find it necessary publicly to state that it cannot associate itself with the GVN’s unwillingness to meet the reasonable demands of the Vietnamese Buddhist leaders.

There follows various argumentation which you authorized to use in whole or part at your discretion.

The US understands that a public statement may have political repercussions inside South Viet-Nam and would make such a statement most reluctantly since it continues to support President Diem. However, the international repercussions of the Buddhist troubles in South Viet-Nam cannot help but affect US world-wide responsibilities. In addition, US support of Vietnamese Government requires full support of Congress and American people and question as to our attitude towards and our involvement in Buddhist problem must be effectively dealt with if satisfactory solution is not arrived at very quickly. Furthermore, it is also in the interests of the Government of South Viet-Nam to take action to regain confidence of Buddhists. No government in Viet-Nam can survive without their support.

We realize that meeting Buddhist demands as set forth in Embtel 1038 runs risk of engendering further Buddhist demands and that GVN must be prepared to face and very likely accede to such further demands unless they are so substantive as to endanger GVN defense effort. Nevertheless fact is that Buddhist demands so far have been reasonable and/or insubstantial. In fact GVN has already gone most of way to meet them. What is necessary is that GVN so state clearly and that it abide by such decision firmly before it is too late.

Risk of GVN yielding now far less than pursuing continued standoff position when, actually, there is very little of substance separating GVN and responsible Buddhists. At present we believe situation has gone so far that to regain public confidence a joint statement by GVN and Buddhist leaders is needed to restore public confidence.

At same time we recognize risks to public order and safety if public gatherings are permitted at this time and importance to GVN of demonstrating that it is still in control of situation.

We therefore recommend that GVN seek work out joint communique to be issued with General Association making following points:

1. The five points suggested by Buddhists are considered as reasonable and proper rights which they and any other religious group may exercise m Viet-Nam.

2. In order to avoid any further incidents which could endanger innocent persons Buddhist leaders in their capacity as representatives of a religion which is opposed to violence and the GVN as the guardian of public safety ask that all loyal and virtuous citizens of Viet-Nam refrain from any actions in public places which could harm innocent persons. Until the situation is judged to be calmer Association leaders and the GVN join in requesting that there be no further public processions or demonstrations by any religious group in Viet-Nam. The right to worship privately according to one’s beliefs in pagodas, temples, or churches, and to own property, fly flags, enjoy freedom from unjustified arrest and to propagate religion will not be interfered with. All discriminatory laws and regulations will be promptly rescinded (the nicety of having this done by National Assembly seems brushed aside by Diem’s statement that Buddhists can count on Constitution, i.e. on him.) Finally, as soon as the tensions caused by recent events have relaxed, the privilege of conducting orderly religious processions which do not endanger public safety may be freely exercised. It is recognized that religious processions constitute an outward manifestation of faith which should be permitted so long as they do not endanger the welfare of the community or damage the essential unity of the Vietnamese people which has enabled them to survive throughout history.

3. It has been agreed between the GVN and Association that a permanent National Religious Council will be established which will have the right and duty of consulting with the Government on all matters affecting religious freedom as defined under the Constitution. This Council will have as members representatives of all established sects, churches and denominations which exist in Viet-Nam.

FYI—If Diem does not take prompt and effective steps to reestablish Buddhist confidence in him we will have to reexamine our entire relationship with his regime. End FYI.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET. Secret; Operational Immediate; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Wood and Hilsman and cleared in draft by Harriman. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.
2. Document 129.