Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Vietnam, Volume I

224. Telegram From the Ambassador in Vietnam (Durbrow) to the Department of State¹

Saigon, November 12, 1960—1 a.m.

1035. SITREP Number 1 as of 1700 November 11, 1960.

At about 0330 local time November 11, units of first, third, fourth, and eighth ABN Bns began coup d’état by seizing several government buildings in central Saigon and placing presidential palace under sporadic small arms fire; explosives, grenades, machine guns and mortars also used. Police and other security forces disarmed, but services not otherwise disrupted. Palace defended by presidential guard although attacking paratroopers began to force way into palace grounds and seized one or more of guard houses at edge of grounds.

Cabinet members reported seized by paratroopers but this apparently false since we know many of them remain free. At 0650 Secretary State Thuan told Embassy officer by telephone that rebels had attempted seize him at home but he escaped. Thuan said rebels control military radio system but claimed GVN still controlled Radio Saigon, but rebels gained control later. Rebels reported to be in control of Tan Son Nhut airport and were manning roadblocks at certain points in city. Rebels also claimed military committees set up Dalat, Bien Hoa and Vung Tau.

At 0940 radio began broadcasts in Diem’s voice repeated at five minute intervals stating coup attempted by some middle-ranking officers, communications between GHQ and capital military region temporarily out, calling for tank unit and one BN forces proceed from My Tho to outskirts Saigon to await further orders.

Heavy sporadic firing in palace area ceased about 1030.

Occasional firing heard throughout city. Except for disturbed areas near palace most markets except main city market and shops remained open, but in afternoon streets almost vacant. Newspapers appeared in afternoon. City utilities not affected.

About noon four planes observed from Embassy apparently dropping leaflets urging troops not to fire on palace. Navy apparently neutral, naval area guarded by navy police, gunboat cruised up and down river all day but took no action.

Around noon statement of self-proclaimed “revolutionary committee” broadcast by Saigon Radio. Committee apparently composed of Generals Pham Zuan Chieu and Le Van Kim and Colonel Nguyen Chanh Thi of airborne command, but … source reports Chieu and Ty at first said that they prisoners of rebels and only Kim siding with rebels. Later became apparent they siding with rebels. According … source other members committee are Lt. Col. Vuong Van Dong, former deputy CO ABN group and Hoang Co Thuy, Saigon lawyer who deputy chief of committee. Same source reports original committee program as follows:

1. Removal of Diem because he so unpopular no effective leadership against Viet Cong possible while he in office.

2. Unite people to fight Viet Cong.

3. Gradually increase democratic liberties such as press freedom.

4. End corruption and thus widen access to economic benefits.

5. Hold free elections and end provisional government when situation stabilized.

Secretary of State Thuan told Ambassador at 1415 that armor from My Pko had arrived Phu Lam (outside of Cholon) and that “two bns” from My Tho would arrive in half hour. Seventh Division troops from Bien Hoa, according Thuan, enroute Saigon to relieve palace. At 1440, according Thuan, negotiations still in progress at palace between Diem and revolutionary committee. Thuan stated Ngo Dinh Nhu told him revolutionary committee demanding Diem become “supreme advisor” (apparently a figure head with lawyer Hoang Co Thuy and paratroopers as cabinet).

Although rebels reported to have delivered ultimatum to Diem to capitulate by 1400, negotiations apparently still continuing as of 1700 and rebels have taken no further action to attack palace although they remain in force in palace area. Tanks and other armored vehicles in palace area apparently partly rebel forces but part also apparently loyal.

… source reported at 1520 that Col. Thi accepts necessity of compromise on part both sides but insists Diem must be removed. Thi reportedly stated tanks arrived from My Tho have agreed support rebels and he has told them to help maintain order throughout city. According Thi, paratroopers remaining outside palace grounds until conclusion negotiations.

Col. Phat, Co Civil Guard, reported to USOM officer during afternoon that he and CG supporting president against rebels, that CG units waiting on outskirts city for orders from presidency as to next action. Other reports indicate some CG siding with rebels Saigon area.

Political opposition element, exploiting situation to distribute leaflets praising coup and condemning Diem Regime.

At 1700 hours no military activity but large number armed troops, some rebel and others loyal, positioned in area around palace.

Durbrow

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.00/11–1260. Secret; Niact; Noforn. Received November 11 at 3:45 p.m. Repeated for information priority to Bangkok, Seoul, and CINCPAC PolAd; repeated also to Phnom Penh, Vietiane, London, Paris, Manila also to pass to Felt, New Delhi, Taipei, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Ottawa. Marked also for passage to the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence of the Department of the Army, the Director of Naval Intelligence, and the Air Force Chief of Intelligence.