751G.13/1–1354: Telegram
The Ambassador at Saigon (Heath) to the Department of State
[Received 10: 57 p.m.]
1240. Repeated information Paris 378, Hanoi 175. Re Embtel 1227 to Department, repeated information Paris 373.1 Transfer of powers from Tam Government to Buu Loc Government took place afternoon January 12. Ceremony bringing together incoming and outgoing ministers attended by press and limited group Vietnamese. Tam in friendly session spoke first outlining progress his government toward objective of establishment democratic electoral system and making friendly references to job of incoming government. Buu Loc replied with praise for Tam achievements and generalities with regard new government’s program. Turnover government contrasts strongly with brusque treatment given Huu Government when replaced by Tam.
According Buu Loc press statement his government will be inaugurated January 16 when his program will be made public. Commissioner General De Jean informs me program envisages rapid completion negotiations with France, clean up and establishment honesty in government and revision agrarian reform law establishing unrealistic agricultural land rental ceiling at 15 percent and that Buu Loc has been choosing his ministers with view to dignity, reputation and honesty.
[Page 961]New Council Ministers, on which biographic data being prepared has nice geographic balance with six each from north and south and three from center. Technicians and political figures also balanced. Six ministers have never before served in any government, several have lived considerable periods in France and one, Huyen, has long residence in Viet Minh zone.
Embassy impressed by lack “professional nationalists” and by predominance strong personal supporters of Bao Dai who may be expected faithfully reflect his views. Confessional groups in south had previously announced intention support Bao Dai but remain out of government.
- Telegram 1227 from Saigon, Jan. 13, not printed, reported on the announcement that day of the membership of the new government of Buu Loc. Appointments included Nguyen Quoc Dinh as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Phan Huy Quat as Minister of Defense. (751G.13/1–1254)↩