Office of the Historian

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

Washington, September 17, 1966, 6:17 p.m.

49407. From Secretary. Refs: A. State 27973; B. Saigon 3130; C. State 23182;2 D. Saigon 1350.3

1.
We here are intensely interested in moving ahead rapidly on long-er range program directed toward VC discussed reftels. In favorable [Page 641] atmosphere surrounding highly successful Constituent Assembly elections, believe moment propitious, if you have not already had opportunity broach subject in pursuance Stateʼs 27973, to open dialogue with GVN on this whole subject.
2.
With respect to timing, we are thinking in terms of Ky launching a call for “national reconciliation” on November 1, which would appear to be logical date since it is SVN National Day. On other hand, if earlier date would be feasible and appropriate, this would be even better. Appeal in effect would have various purposes, within SVN and internationally, which were outlined Reftel C, para 5. We accept that in present time frame chances of accomplishment better in field of encouraging defections and fomenting divisions among VC than in leading to discussions with VC/NLF as organization concerning wind-up of insurgency. We recognize of course that this appeal must be carefully worded in order to maximize psychological impact on VC without damaging current SVN fledgling political development process now so well begun. Appreciate your comment on foregoing.4
3.
With respect amnesty and defection questions we are developing some specific proposals for action which will be forwarded to you shortly. These include points which would, as appropriate, be covered in Prime Ministerʼs call for “national reconciliation.” Subject to your views, we would have in mind sending out two or three people very soon to elaborate on Washington thinking on these proposals and to stay longer to assist as you deemed useful.
4.
Re idea of leaving local VC administration temporarily undisturbed (para 4, Ref A), see Unger-Furlonger August 11 memcon,5 pouched Saigon; this provides some elaboration our ideas on this subject.
Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Lake, Miller, and Unger; cleared in substance by Cooper and Jorden; and approved by Rusk and Unger.↩
  2. See Document 203 and footnote 6 thereto.↩
  3. Dated July 19. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, vol. LVI)↩
  4. Lodge replied in telegram 6423, September 20, that he would initiate the dialog with the GVN. Regarding the call for national reconciliation, he concurred on the timing and noted that he now envisaged its principal purpose to be to “encourage defections and foment division among VC,” since he saw no chance now that it could be used to open contacts between the GVN and the VC. (Department of State, Bundy Files: Lot 85 D 240, TS/Nodis, vol. III)↩
  5. Not further identified.↩