Office of the Historian

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

Washington, July 20, 1963, 2:58 p.m.

104. Ref: Embtel 117.2 Reaction of press here to our statement made re Diem broadcast (Deptel 103)3 was that events (i.e. Buddhist reaction making acceptance conditional on series GVN actions and repositioning of barricades) had already overtaken our statement. As practical matter do not see how we can further comment without [Page 523] another news peg. If Diem releases those arrested in demonstrations, lifts barricades, meets with Buddhist leaders, or takes further constructive action in line with promising [promised?] approach his broadcast, we could again express satisfaction and hope. Until then do not feel. that further comment on Diem broadcast would result in anything here but hostile speculation.

We assume you will tell GVN we encouraged by Diem’s broadcast and accompanying orders as constructive steps towards easing situation, and that we are hopefully waiting for more of same sort.

Reftel, well as whole situation, under careful study. We intend by septel send you for comment our estimate situation as it looks from here and avenues open to us.4

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POLS VIET-US. Secret; Operational Immediate. Drafted by Heavner and Kattenburg and cleared by Manell and by Rice. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
  2. Document 222.↩
  3. Document 230.↩
  4. The source text bears no signature.↩