711.5851G/12–2354: Telegram
The Chargé in Vietnam (Kidder) to the Department of State
[Received 9:19 a.m.]
2422. Repeated information Paris 733, Phnom Penh unnumbered. I accompanied Admiral Radford1 yesterday on official call on President [Page 2415] Diem who received Admiral in company of General Ty, Commander-in-Chief Vietnamese Armed Forces. Diem in unusually cheerful mood carried on rather rambling conversation. He referred several times to fact that people and provisional chiefs were beginning to appreciate usefulness efficiency of Vietnamese security forces which forces, he explained are not part of National Army but of military and include elements from north and center. These forces he proudly said include elements formerly in National Army. It seemed obvious he is not at all resigned to fact that Vietnam should have only one army. During twenty minute talk he made no reference of any kind to American assistance in any field. Referring to present quadripartite discussions in France, he mentioned irrelevantly that he does not like Mendes-France. During conversation quite evident he anxious impress Admiral Radford with General Ty who he said has full confidence of all elements in army and of people. Ty played role yes man.
- Admiral Radford arrived at Saigon from Phnom Penh on Dec. 22.↩