Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Indochina, Volume XIII, Part 2

751G.13/9–2154: Telegram

The Ambassador in Vietnam (Heath) to the Department of State

top secret
niact

Saigon, September 21, 1954—7 p.m.

1154. Repeated information Paris 397. Reference Embtel 1150, repeated Paris 395.¹ Counselor and chief political section received visit this afternoon from [name deleted] of Cao Daists and [name deleted] representing General Soai of Hoa Hao forces who wished verification from Embassy that US had not changed point of view regarding support of Diem Government.… said that at meeting today of General Le Van Vien with General Phuong of Cao Dai and General Soai, Le Van Vien had said he had received mandate from Bao Dai to return to Vietnam to form new government to replace that of Diem, and that he had received support from Guy La Chambre. Le Van Vien said in reply to his question to La Chambre re American point of view, latter had advised him to return to Saigon where he “would find that there was something changed” in American point of view. [Name deleted] made direct inquiry re US position.

Counselor told visitors that US position has not changed, that we continue to support legal government, that we would view with extreme disfavor any use of force to change government, that US not wedded to any particular government, but that even in case of legal and peaceful change US would have to take look at new government, its representative nature and its anti-Communist orientation and review our position on military and economic aid in light of findings. Counselor said he had no knowledge of any mandate granted Le Van Vien.²

[Name deleted] seemed fully satisfied and assured Counselor Cao Dai and Hoa Hao sects now in full accord on desirability support Diem. He believed new government including two sects would be formed and announced within two or three days. Counselor emphasized personal view time extremely precious and that decision should be taken and implemented today if possible.

[Name deleted] commented on fact there is obvious difference of policy between General Ely, who is always correct, on one side, and General Salan and various unnamed French civil servants on other. He remarked wistfully that Ely had encouraged Hoa Hao to cooperate with Diem government but that when Salan counseled them to contrary, it made them “dizzy.”

Heath

1. Supra.
2. In telegram 1144 to Saigon, Sept. 21 (1038 to Paris), the Department indicated the following in regard to telegrams 1150 and 1154 from Saigon: “Department reaffirms position Embassy has taken in 1150 and desires those principally concerned—particularly Daridan and Salan—know that U.S. position has not changed. We have not informed La Chambre of any change. We support as a solution to current crisis Cao Dai and Hoa Hao joining Diem Government they reportedly already having made decisions to do so. We hope they can publicly announce such intention soon as possible. We are not supporting a Binh Xuyen plot.” (751G.13/9–2154)