751G.00/9–3054: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at London1
Tosec 9. Re preceding telegram.2 Follows text of message which approved by US and French delegations for transmittal to respective missions Saigon.
“In French–US discussions here, we and French have reached conclusion we should support Diem in establishment and maintenance of strong, anti-Communist nationalist government. To this end France and US will both urge all anti-Communist elements in Viet-Nam cooperate fully with government of Ngo Dinh Diem.
We recognize five key elements which can provide a stable anti-Communist nationalist government under Diem’s leadership with chance of success: Bao Dai, Hinh and national army and three sects.
As result our discussions we giving consideration to action along following lines and desire your comments:
The problems relating to Chief of State will require further consideration when Government of Viet-Nam consolidated. Under present [Page 2102] circumstances further démarches should be made jointly or separately to Bao Dai emphasizing consequences in terms of US and French support of failure on his part act in such way to strengthen Diem Government. French and United States representatives Saigon, who should be given broad delegation powers for this purpose, should encourage Diem support our actions re Bao Dai with appropriate measures within competence Vietnamese Government.
With respect to General Hinh, it essential that Chief Staff obey orders given by civil authority. However, at same time, it most difficult find replacement for him. Consequently, démarches should be made to General Hinh and President Diem towards reconciliation. It would be emphasized that France and United States are firmly supporting President Diem and that once his position consolidated and only then extensive program designed to develop national army under General Hinh could be undertaken. There remains problem of who would be Minister of Defense over Hinh. In the future, relations with Hinh as Chief Staff, should be limited purely military matters in effort discourage him from entering into political affairs.
Sects play an essential role in their respective territories but have limited importance on national scale. Sects have maintained flexible positions with regard Diem, Viet Minh, Bao Dai, France and the United States. It of vital importance that France and the United States maintain carefully coordinated strategy towards sects. Sects should be informed of intent of United States and France with regard support for Diem. Diem might be advised attempt influence sects through his handling of integration of their forces into national army and through ability grant them administrative control over areas being evacuated by Viet Minh. The representatives in Vietnam of France and United States should be given broadest possible delegation of powers to determine coordinated positions these matters.
With specific regard to Binh Xuyen recognized that whatever their unsatisfactory and undesirable qualities may be, their position of power should not be underestimated particularly as they control police, are closely tied in with Bao Dai, and in past have been responsible for extensive terroristic activity in Saigon.
Therefore, our course of action should be to seek to isolate the Binh Xuyen particularly from Bao Dai and to minimize their power and influence through strengthening national army as counter. This can only be achieved progressively. At present time it seems necessary to associate them with the government, which might in long run be best method to be in position control them.”
As noted third paragraph above, Saigon comments requested regarding specific means by which we could carry out courses action included above text.
French Delegation requests text above included within quotes be given Daridan with explanation this sent by US channels their request for his comments.