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

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

Saigon, July 4, 1963, 3 p.m.

26. Embtel 24.² Thuan called me in this morning for specific purpose of asking me to transmit his personal recommendation that Ambassador Nolting return to Saigon as soon as possible.

He said that Diem had shown him letter³ and list of speech suggestions I had left with him yesterday, but had given him absolutely no idea of what action he proposed to take. Thuan had nevertheless concluded that he was probably going to do nothing. This view was reinforced when I told him something of yesterday’s conversation, particularly Diem’s rather excessive politeness. Thuan said “I would rather have him get red in the face and pound the table; after he cools down he may accept. The least encouraging posture is polite immovability.”

Thuan continued that both he and I had used all our ammunition. He still agreed on our assessment of situation and that we were “running a race with the bonzes”. He would continue to try to bring home to Diem the need to act, but he was plainly not hopeful.

Only thing he saw to do was to have Ambassador Nolting return. Diem attached great importance to personal friendship and was “sentimental.” Nolting might be able to move him, not only because of personal relationship, but also owing to fact that his position would be “detached” as result early departure from Vietnam. I pointed out latter would normally be considered disadvantage, but Thuan insisted it would be asset.

I asked whether Thuan had any views as to what Ambassador should do when he got here, pointing out he was likely to have same instructions as I had, if not stronger. Thuan said he had no suggestions; he was relying wholly on personal relationship and Nolting’s “detachment” to get Diem to move.

I questioned Thuan very closely as to whether this was his idea or Diem’s. He insisted it was his own and asked that I protect him as originator.

Trueheart

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 12-1 S VIET. Secret; Priority; Eyes Only.
2. Document 200.
3. Document 201.