Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Vietnam, Volume I

103. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Vietnam¹

Washington, April 6, 1955—7:21 p.m.

4366. 1. Re Saigon’s 4349 repeated Paris 1168,² para. 18: Department concurs in recommendation (in which we understand Ely concurs) that US and French Governments “make joint approach to Bao Dai to secure his agreement to back Diem fully not only in dismissing Sang but in removing police entirely from Binh Xuyen control”. However Department concurs in this approach to Bao Dai on condition that French Government accepts purpose of such intervention in exactly same terms as quoted from Collins reftel above. In addition we believe there should be French-US agreement on time limit for Bao Dai to take the necessary action along the lines of joint recommendation. As far as Bao Dai is concerned, the Department would strongly hope US and French representatives would insist on seeing text of his telegram. In making this joint démarche American representatives should present US position as contained in paragraphs 1 and 3 Deptel 4284 to Saigon repeated Paris 3498.³ In addition US representatives should inform Bao Dai that we believe Diem has inherent right as well as capability reestablish authority of central government over national police. If this is done, conditions would be created which could lead to constructive strengthening of government under Diem and possibly satisfactory adjustment of role and functions of religious sects. But if Diem’s authority is defied and immobilized, then no government will be able to operate in Vietnam and structure may collapse. Mockery will be made of sacrifice and heroism of anti-Communist Vietnamese including refugees. Furthermore contemplated US aid of several hundred million dollars this year could therefore not be justified. Any other points in recent Deptels which Embassy Paris feels would be persuasive should also be made to Bao Dai.

2. As this is matter of grave importance, the Secretary wishes Achilles make this representation on behalf US in order assure maximum strength and effectiveness of démarche.⁴

3. French Government officials and General Ely apparently believe that it is not possible to divide sects in two categories and that therefore the sects should be treated as one and assumed to be united (Paris 4328 repeated Saigon 635⁵ and Saigon’s 4348 repeated Paris 1167,⁶ para. 5–c). This is fundamental divergence in US and French approach at the time. If our position is valid that religious sects on one hand and Binh Xuyen on other can be treated differently as suggested in general terms in recent Deptels, Department would like to have soonest from Saigon specific plan of how Cao Dai and Hoa Hao might be neutralized and separated from Binh Xuyen.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/4–655. Top Secret; Niact. Drafted by Young and cleared in draft by Dulles, Sebald, the Counselor’s office, and WE. Sent also priority to Paris.
2. See footnote 6, Document 100.
3. Document 90.
4. Dillon and Achilles did this with French officials on the afternoon of April 7 and found, as reported in telegram 4376 from Paris, sent that day, that the French objected to such a démarche on the grounds that any removal of Sang would have to be part of a larger Franco-American request to Bao Dai to influence Diem to broaden his government and give representation to all factions including the Binh Xuyen. (Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/4–755)
5. Dated April 5, not printed. (Ibid., 751G.00/4–555)
6. Document 100.