87. Telegram From the Ambassador in Vietnam (Durbrow) to the Department of State1
655. Several weeks ago it appeared GVN, having assured itself that VC and VC sympathizers not candidates, prepared permit election number true independents…. sources reported Pres Diem, in order prevent criticism detrimental GVN prestige, insisting only legal methods be used support GVN sponsored candidates (both NRM and nominal independents). Embassy … info since second posting list of candidates August 15 shows trend which indicates GVN now apparently determined ensure 100 per cent support in next Assembly by hand picking candidates with possible exception two or three independents. GVN reportedly using following methods: Deletion of names from list of candidates on grounds failure comply registration requirements and other violations election law, threats, intimidation by arrest of campaign workers and use strong arm tactics to break up campaign meetings. Number candidates dropped from 625 at first posting to 460 at second, now stands at about 400 and continuing to drop. Several candidates whose names deleted have protested.
In past week number candidates have been convicted violation of election law on technicalities on basis charges by their opponents. This appears represent not only GVN action but certain amount infighting among candidates. For example, few NRM candidates, notably opponent of leading oppositionist Dr. Phan Quang Dan, also convicted and deleted. Dan and his main collaborator Hoang Co Thuy likewise convicted on similar charges and deleted Aug 28.
GVN tactics differ in central VN where Ngo Dinh Can has maintained tighter control and election party candidates assured. Here Caf [Can?] apparently feels secure enough to permit any candidate passing tests of anti-Commie background and loyalty regime to run. In south, however, NRM leadership under Ngo Dinh Nhu, apparently alarmed over active campaign opposition elements, which though few in number have been very vocal, with result NRM believed [Page 228] opposing not only election opposition candidates but even forcing certain pro-GVN candidates withdraw in favor hand picked party men. While in certain areas latter tactic may be designed prevent splitting NRM vote, it is likely that Nhu wing of NRM in present temper desires preserve monolithic structure of party and concerned over possible growth factionalism especially among more liberal elements within party. In this connection candidates supported by Sec Agriculture Le Van Dong appear particularly hard hit by these tactics. Also certain NRM candidates perhaps sacrificed in effort win public acceptance of party activity.
GVN concern over threat presented by Lao developments may also play role GVN motivation. In any case conduct of campaign shows no progress towards liberalization regime.
Although difficult evaluate possible popular reaction to complete GVN domination next assembly, there several factors to consider. In provinces, where population largely concerned over security and ability GVN enable them carry out daily activities not with questions democratic principles, authorities should have no difficulty piling up large majorities for gov’t candidates. In Saigon, however, there exists large number intellectuals who while basically pro-regime have long looked for some liberalization. For this group Dr. Dan has become symbol, not necessarily because they support him but because his campaign is test of GVN willingness permit measure of criticism and freedom. This group expected be embittered by present GVN tactics and their criticism of regime likely increase.
Moreover increasingly obvious GVN manipulation of elections will be picked up by foreign correspondents to detriment GVN prestige and feed Hanoi propaganda. This connection Australian Newsman John Williams, correspondent for London Daily Mirror, Melbourne Herald Sun and Sydney Daily News has been accompanying Dr. Dan during campaign and already filed story reportedly along line elections not democratic by Western standards. Further, according FBIS, Radio Hanoi Aug 24 reported DRV made protest ICC that “Diem machinations for illegal parliamentary elections” constitute gross violation Geneva Agreements and referred elections “under conditions terror and fraudulent methods to set up ‘National Assembly’ without any representative character.” Aug 25 Radio Hanoi highlighted number candidates deleted from lists, noted several lodged complaints against being “arbitrarily ousted from elections” and refer elections as farce and betrayal country and people.
Elections SVN, with possible exception Saigon area, not electoral contests in our sense as much as opportunity GVN propagandize achievements of regime among people and engage large anti-VC propaganda exercise. Nevertheless is regrettable GVN is passing up [Page 229] chance provide safety valve by allowing free campaigning opposition and some increase number true independents elected.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.00/8–2859. Confidential; Noforn. Repeated for information to CINCPAC Pol Ad.↩