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

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

Washington, October 6, 1955—4:37 p.m.

1192. Saigon 1483 repeated Paris 288.²

1. Department agrees with line you have taken in discussions with Diem regarding internal elections. It appears despite our best efforts he proposes proceed as outlined Saigon 1468 repeated Paris 283.³

2. We concur your judgment that proposed steps preferable to present absence any national legislative body, constitution or settlement Bao Dai problem.

3. You may reiterate to Diem the importance we attach to broadening base and increasing authority Vietnamese Government by political reforms. We hope implementation program will not be delayed during next few months. At same time we feel here adequate preparations for assembly elections as important as holding of elections and formation of assembly. Without effective political organization commanding majority in assembly and provisions guaranteeing against Viet Minh representation, assembly could otherwise harass government, add to its already enormous burdens and bring divisive rather than cohesive elements. In view strength Viet Minh organization in North and their unknown capability in South, development strong stable executive leadership in Vietnam should have priority. Such representative and constitutional processes should be developed to extent that they do not weaken central authority. Therefore timing of such elections can best be left to determination local conditions. Would appreciate Embassy’s estimate what kind of assembly would result from elections in December or thereabouts.⁴

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/9–2955. Secret. Drafted by Young and Hoey and cleared by Sebald and Robertson. Repeated for information to Paris.
2. Document 259.
3. See footnote 2, ibid.
4. See Document 266.