751G.00/12–1253: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
1014. Sent Paris 296. In continuation of his increasingly open struggle to remain in office, Tam last night undertook nationwide radio broadcast on eve of his departure this morning for Dalat to confer with Bao Dai.
Prime Minister said it was matter of highest urgency to create government of national union which would be able to represent Vietnam in forthcoming negotiations with France “and in eventual discussions with Ho Chi-Minh”. Appealing to all to submerge partisan feeling and to join in true national cooperation, Tam stressed “ardent desire for peace of our people bloodied by a too-long conflict” and fact that in Paris he felt same desire for peace of French people who had made such heavy sacrifices in aiding Vietnam. He added, “If Ho Chi-Minh is sincere (and there is only between 5 and 10 percent of chance in favor of this daring hypothesis) we will not say no in advance to hope (of peace). My compatriots who know me know that I am not a dreamer nor a capitulator. I am proud, on contrary, of being fighter at all times who does not lay down arms until objective is achieved. From this point of view you can trust me: Enemy will not outmaneuver us.”
Tam concluded with appeal for a national assembly. He said, “Finally, I wish to say that I understand and share general desire of our compatriots to obtain free democratic representation. Popular common sense was shown in convincing manner at time of municipal and later provincial elections. Why should it be lacking in event of legislative elections? We need a national assembly in confronting prospectives which are before us.”
Tam has thus grasped nettle of almost overt opposition to Bao Dai. Latter, in view of fiasco of his own recent national congress, can scarcely contemplate with enthusiasm prospect of an election for national [Page 920] assembly. Likewise Tam’s appeal for a government of national union, impliedly with himself at its head, is not calculated to arouse great support from chief of state, who himself desires to be symbol of national union.
Issues between Tam and Bao Dai are rapidly drawing to a head, and we expect they should be resolved this week-end in Dalat.1 DeJean has invited me to be his house guest at Dalat, and I plan to fly there tomorrow, returning Monday.2
- In telegram 1047 from Saigon, Dec. 17, Chargé McClintock reported that the Vietnamese Imperial Cabinet had that morning announced the resignation of the government of Nguyen Van Tam. (751G.13/12–1753) The Embassy transmitted a detailed analysis of the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Premier Tam in despatch 242, Dec. 17. (751G.13/12–1753)↩
- Dec. 14.↩