751G.13/9–2254: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
priority
1226. Repeated information priority Saigon 143. Deptel 1022 (Saigon 1126).1 We had most cordial talk with Ely this afternoon and assured him along lines indicated reftel. He expressed appreciation and told us he would participate Washington talks. However, he now plans leave Paris Friday2 or Saturday rather than Thursday eve with La Chambre. We have informed Ely (as well as La Chambre) Dept has agreed La Chambre’s suggestion that political talks begin 27th.
Ely assured us he had had no instructions from Paris to insist upon Diem taking Tam into his govt, and that it had not been his intention give Diem impression French endeavoring force Tam upon him. Ely said he had endeavored advise Diem to best his ability, that he had been under impression we fully cognizant his (Ely’s) views, and that he unaware we had interpreted French efforts advise Diem Saigon as being in nature “virtual ultimatum”. Ely emphasized Fr Govt has no intention intervening Vietnamese internal political affairs. Ely said that while he held Diem in esteem personally, impossible escape fact present Vietnamese Govt represents “zero”. On other hand, while he (Ely) recognizes Bao Dai’s present emissary Saigon Gen Bai Vien is “little more than gangster”, he doubts if any successor govt could be worse than present one. Ely asked what we thought of Bao Dai, and while he inclined agree with us it would be desirable if he (Bao Dai) could be eliminated from scene, he intimated that we may all find that we may have to work with him for time being in absence better alternate. In any event, Ely said he strongly of opinion that forthcoming talks Washington would be invaluable in serving clarify Franco-American objectives IC. Ely said he thought it would be helpful if Heath were to be present for talks, and we said we would pass on his suggestion with sole notation that it might be difficult for him leave Saigon this critical juncture. Ely spoke in highest terms Heath and cordiality their relationships.
We impressed by Ely’s calm forthright approach IC problem and his evident desire reach understanding with US. We believe his participation Washington talks, particularly political phase, will prove to be of prime importance in achieving fuller Franco-American understanding on IC.
Col Derougemont, who present during conversation, confirmed to us as we left that Gen Vien, apparently with authority Bao Dai, [Page 2048] presently endeavoring achieve sect-Army coalition. Latter would demand Diem resign and ask Bao Dai form new govt.
- See footnote 2, p. 2037.↩
- Sept. 24.↩