751G.13/9–1954: Telegram
The Ambassador in Vietnam (Heath) to the Department of State
niact
1119. Repeated information Paris 382. As Fishel had determined that Diem would be willing to make one more attempt at reconciliation with General Hinh, but only on condition that Hinh publicly expressed regrets for his actions, I instructed General O’Daniel and Counselor Kidder call on Hinh to determine his attitude. Speedy action was essential as Diem was due to give press conference at 9:30 this evening. O’Daniel and Kidder saw Hinh at 8:30 and asked him what reaction would be to the suggestion of reconciliation with Diem.
By way of reply Hinh explained his position as a “moral prisoner of the army”, said that Diem and his government without any remaining support in country, that he had twice attempted to reach reconciliation with Diem, that it had been at his suggestion General Xuan had been appointed Defense Minister but that one hour after Xuan had taken over as Defense Minister Xuan had telephoned him to order him to leave the country on Monday1 or at the latest on Wednesday. In addition to this Secretary of State for Defense Chan remained in Ministry of Defense and would leave only after Hinh left country. Hinh then referred to his press release which consisted of telegram which he had sent to Bao Dai (see Embtel 1107).2 He pointed out that this was a clear statement and on General O’Daniel’s commenting it left a loophole because Hinh had said that “up to now” he had not opposed the government, Hinh pointed out that his release constituted opposition of the government. Hinh sees only three solutions:
- 1.
- Diem goes and Hinh remains.
- 2.
- Hinh goes and Diem remains.
- 3.
- Diem totally reconstitutes his cabinet leaving himself as powerless figurehead.
Hinh was convinced, however, that Diem would accept only the solution of Hinh going and Hinh was not going to leave the country. General O’Daniel reiterated his previous suggestions regarding Hinh acting as Chief of Staff of Armed Forces with Xuan as Defense Minister under Diem and elaborated on this theme at considerable length. Hinh was not receptive.…
Hinh admitted frankly that he was opposing civil authority and stated that it was not he acting for the Army, but that it was the entire Army acting through him. He even admitted that what he was [Page 2039] doing would benefit Viet Minh enemy but said situation so bad action must be taken.
It was made clear to Hinh that we regretted the situation in which he had placed the country and also that we understood that Diem’s receptiveness to a possible reconciliation would be based upon a public expression of regret for his actions culminating in his statement against the government. Hinh’s position that he would not back down was crystal clear. He commented that it is “too late” and that tomorrow there would be movements by the sects in the city. Also three of Diem’s Ministers might resign tomorrow.
Hinh looked exhausted and deeply troubled but was firm. His chief bitterness was directed against Chan. He spoke of Diem as good man but total failure.
- Sept. 20.↩
- See footnote 1, supra.↩