751G.00/11–2454: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State
top secret
Paris, November 24, 1954—2
p.m.
[Received 9:54 a.m.]
[Received 9:54 a.m.]
2203. Repeated information Saigon 314. We talked to Amb at Large Luyen1 and Vo Lang last eve.
- 1)
- We asked about Hinh’s call on Bao Dai and referred Hinh’s arrival statement as well his interview AFP to effect he, Hinh, planning return Vietnam near future. Luyen said he had discussed this matter with Bao Dai several times since his, Luyen’s, arrival Paris last Friday,2 and that he, Luyen, of opinion we need not worry about Hinh’s returning in immediate future or that Hinh would pose serious threat hereafter Diem govt. Luyen underlined Bao Dai intends take firm position this score.
- 2)
- Re Hinh, Luyen showed us photostats of documents which he had brought back for Bao Dai. Luyen indicated Emb Saigon aware these photostats and he emphasized necessity secrecy regarding their existence. … According Luyen, these should help settle the Hinh problem. We read photostats which concerned coup d’état details and timetable, as well as projected Cabinet and supreme revolutionary committee membership. As perhaps Dept already aware, documents contain statement to effect common front to be made with Commies this regard. Membership proposed cabinet includes several Vietnamese with presumed Vietminh affiliations . … Of interest, cabinet to be headed by Buu Hoi, Tam and Xuan Vice Presidents, Hinh Defense Min, and Bai Vien Interior Min. This connection, we were told Buu Hoi maintaining close contact currently with Tran Van Huu who still Paris and that Bao Dai approved of Buu Loc ouster since he believes Buu Loc has actively supported Buu Hoi campaign.
- 3)
- We asked about Frederic-Dupont’s and Letourneau’s call Nov. 22 on Bao Dai and we were told that they had tried to persuade Bao Dai to return Vietnam, oust Diem, and take over reins government himself, but that Bao Dai had rejected proposal categorically. Luyen said Bao Dai satisfied we (U.S.) taking firm stand South Vietnam and that he, Bao Dai, prepared support Diem actively and resist countervailing pressures. We were shown this connection series petitions purportedly issued by local Vietnamese organizations calling on Bao Dai intervene and provide solution Vietnamese problem. We were told these paper organizations being formed currently under inspiration Hinh relative as means designed bring pressure on Bao Dai but that latter not taking them seriously.
- 4)
- Luyen underlined importance he attached Gen. Collins’ recent statement and said he hoped French press accounts tending imply Collins speaking for himself only and not U.S. Government completely unfounded. We said as far we knew what Collins had to say reflected general line our thinking this subject.
Dillon