751G. 13/9–2854: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1
niact
1240. London for Merchant. Limit distribution. At opening political talks LaChambre this afternoon2 we agreed substantially as follows: France and US support Diem in establishment and maintenance of strong anti-Communist and Nationalist Government and to that end [Page 2081] will jointly urge all anti-Communist elements in Vietnam to cooperate fully with Diem Government to counter vigorously Viet Minh and build strong free Vietnam.
Subsequently, LaChambre has given us text message from Paris to effect that in two interviews with DeJean today Bao Dai expressed astonishment “insolent”3 intervention by US and French Governments “incompatible with independence”; reported receipt telegram from Diem declaring he can not withdraw as Prime Minister without causing immediate stoppage American aid to Viet Nam; stated continuance Diem could only increase political chaos and risks of bloody incidents Saigon; claimed, in his view, maintenance present team in power would only profit Viet Minh; and suggested, without prompting by DeJean, that Government be constituted under General Xuan which he considers capable assuring cooperation of sects, Army, Catholics of the South and independent personalities. Message adds DeJean, in noting Bao Dai’s reservations re confirmation Diem in office, asked that, if he felt necessary to terminate present conflict, he not do so without informing French and allowing enough time to warn French negotiators in Washington. DeJean believes in circumstances would be very difficult and useless to insist in even more forceful fashion on confirmation Diem and, in endorsing Bao Dai suggestion, requests urgent instructions.
Acting Secretary agreed with LaChambre to transmit substance foregoing message Saigon as combined telegram with request for joint or separate views Heath and Daridan.4
Reply urgently.
- Drafted by Young (PSA) and Barbour (EUR). Also sent niact to Paris as telegram 1135 and to London as telegram 1776.↩
- The meeting under reference occurred on the afternoon of Sept. 27. It is further described in telegram 1138 to Paris, infra. Minutes of the session are in Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 361 and CF 362.↩
- Telegram 1250 to Saigon, Sept. 28, also sent to Paris and London, read as follows: “Because hasty translation second paragraph Deptel 1240 to Saigon erroneously referred to Bao Dai’s astonishment ‘insolent’ intervention by US and French. Word in quotes should read unusual repeat unusual.” (751G.13/9–2854)↩
In telegram 1241 to Saigon, Sept. 28, repeated to Paris and London, the Department of State instructed Heath to bear in mind in formulating his views that at the Sept. 27 meeting, an understanding had been reached on full support for Diem. La Chambre had ruled out Xuan. The Department was not inclined to change its position regarding Diem just because of Bao Dai. (751G.13/9–2854)
Telegram 1265 from Saigon sent later on Sept. 28 read as follows: “This is a joint expression of views of Daridan and Heath. If it is French and US policy to support Diem at this time there is nothing more that can be done here. A possible solution is for Heath to make immediate trip to see Bao Dai via Paris. If his representations are equally unavailing, then appointment of Xuan might result in quick but only very temporary solution of crisis. Both Heath and Daridan are of opinion that Xuan would not be acceptable Prime Minister for long term solution and enduring government.” (751G.13/9–2854) In telegram 1266, Heath added the following: “Xuan is a French citizen and a French general officer who has practically forgotten his native tongue. He might plan for a quick but superficial and temporary appeasement of situation but once in he could not be gotten rid of soon. Lacking any real force of his own behind him he would be pawn of Hinh and Binh Xuyen. We should make a try at my persuading Bao Dai to support Diem for a real trial period.” (751G.13/9–2854)
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