751G.00/10–1154: Telegram
The Ambassador in Vietnam (Heath) to the Department of State
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1405. Repeated information priority Paris 471. Situation has become exceedingly critical in Saigon during past few hours. Following are among swift-moving events leading up to present:
- 1)
- General Le Van Vien refused to meet with President as he had previously agreed to do 3 p.m., October 10.
- 2)
- General Ely called in Bay Vien and urged moderation upon him. Bay Vien replied he would not participate in Government unless given Interior Ministry but under Ely’s urging agreed he would not participate in coup against Government which he had allegedly undertaken to bring about by 11 a.m., October 11. Instead he would “remain neutral”.
- 3)
- President saw General Xuan, attempting to deal separately with him. Xuan remained adamant, insisting he, General Hinh, and General Le Van Vien must be treated together, not separately, and that their demands must be met in toto.
- 4)
- General Ely sent word to Diem offering President protection French armor and troops. President refused offer at that time.
- 5)
- At dinner given by President last night for La Chambre at which Hinh present, Hinh was “very excited” according to Foreign Minister Do. He informed Do he had “waited 50 days, for President to take action, President had refused obey directives Bao Dai, Hinh knew of Bay Vien’s statement he would “remain neutral” and of his agreement meet with President 10 a.m. this morning, and further knew of Ely’s offer two armored cars with French forces for protection President. Hinh stated firmly he would not be deterred by French action or by lack cooperation Bay Vien. He was determined “take action” against Government morning October 11.
Foreign Minister Do was in despair at state which had been reached and was convinced that Hinh, under influence fiery young officers his staff, would move against Government.
We believe it highly possible Hinh will carry out his threat and lead revolt against Government, if not within next few hours, then in very near future.
Diem is meeting this morning at 10 a.m. with Bay Vien in effort obtain cooperation Binh Xuyen but with very little prospect of success.
Offer two armored cars and troops for protection President in his Palace was accepted last night by Defense State Secretary Minh but Daridan reportedly told him French would not send cars last night as coup was “not imminent” during night.