126. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State1
1363. Ladejinsky leaving for US 18th. Expects arrive Washington about 25th. He told me last night that in accordance my earlier suggestion he had brought up in final interview with Diem general question RKG–GVN relations. Without mentioning our démarches, or radio, or dissidents Diem said Vice President had been right about problem better RKG relations. According Diem Vice President during and after Sihanouk visit had warned Diem not be taken in by Sihanouk promises of better relations and Vice President had been proven correct since GVN efforts better relations have not been successful.
Following talk with Diem Ladejinsky asked his close friend the Vice President about prospects better RKG relations. Vice President said nothing about untrustworthiness of Sihanouk, but on contrary said it would be very easy to work out arrangements to have better relations if it were not for anti-RKG activities and opposition of Nhu. Ladejinsky convinced this is Vice President’s sincere belief. I concur this evaluation.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 851G.00A/10–1859. Secret; Limit Distribution. Repeated to Phnom Penh, Bangkok, CINCPAC for POLAD, and Vientiane.↩