751G.13/9–1354: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1
1021. Saigon’s 992 and 994 repeated Paris 333 and 335.2 Vietnamese Ambassador called on Department morning fourteenth obviously under great emotional strain. He launched into long diatribe against [Page 2027] Hinh including lack qualifications and past inadequacies. Hinh represented as tool of France, responsible for unnecessary abandonment Phat Diem and Bui Chu.
Ambassador had prepared statement to the press which he proposed releasing here today and which constituted an apparent effort clarify background Diem–Hinh conflict. At this stage Ambassador was informed contents Saigon 992 and his relief was apparent. He asked be informed confirmation that Hinh had actually departed, which we promised convey upon receipt. He will not issue press release.
Department concurs your response Ely reference Tam (Saigon 994). We hope present Diem–Hinh crisis will not be followed by further disruptive efforts and Diem will be allowed time consolidate his position and make necessary alterations his Government without French pressures.
Dept believes we should continue doing whatever possible support Diem’s efforts. Today Admiral Radford informed Robertson he is afraid Hinh tool of French, we should throw full support behind Diem who has essential qualification of honesty and help him to extent possible. Radford informing O’Daniel accordingly.
- Drafted by McClintock and Hoey of FE. Also sent to Paris as telegram 951.↩
For telegram 992 from Saigon, Sept. 13, see p. 2023. Telegram 994, also Sept. 13, read as follows:
“Ely tells me he is under very great pressure from France to use his influence to get Diem government out. He says that he and one of his counselors, Wintrebert, are only French officers and officials here who have any confidence in Diem and think he should be given chance to form better government. Ely is still very insistent that Diem should take Tam in as Interior Minister. I told him that while we had respect for Tam’s good qualities, Washington and Embassy were very definitely of opinion that Tam should not be forced on government at this time. Later place might be found for him.” (751G.00/9–1354)
↩