751G.00/6–1154: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
2731. Repeated information Paris 969, Geneva 216, Bangkok, Hanoi unnumbered. USOM representative, Matheron, at Hue reports recent tension that area has been allayed but morale is extremely low and people are filled with disgust toward central government, Vietnamese National Army, French, and themselves. They have, in fact, come to accept idea of partition as inevitable, although they continue to oppose such a measure. In face of belief there is no other alternative, they feel strongest possible government must be established in part of Vietnam remaining to non-Communist side. In Hue anti-Commies opposing national government still consider Ngo Dinh Diem, whom they continue to expect arrive Vietnam, best candidate to head such a government and have continued activity to promote his advent to power, many trips to Saigon being made to propagandize with this objective in mind. Matheron believes this element under no illusion as to Diem’s administrative ability to head country, but it clings to him as one “pure” symbol capable of attracting Vietnamese masses.
Matheron stated it is generally believed in central Vietnam that Giao’s regional troops made a far better showing in operation “Atlante” than did Vietnamese National Army.