Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume I, Vietnam, 1961

175. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State¹

Saigon, October 18, 1961, midnight.

507. Task Force VN.

Body of Col. Hoang Thuy Nam, Chief GVN Liaison Mission to ICC who kidnapped by VC Oct 1, recovered from Saigon River Oct 17 near bridge on northern outskirts of Saigon. Body to lie in state at GVN Liaison Mission headquarters in ICC compound beginning 1530 Oct 18. Funeral be held Oct 20. Suggest Department bring this development to attention of press. USIS sending to IPS GVN press release² on this subject.

…Oct 18 informed EmbOff as follows. GVN evening Oct 17 sent urgent letter to ICC,³ copies of which delivered to ICC commissioners at their homes, concerning Nam case. Letter stated impossible doubt that Hanoi authorities responsible for death of Col. Nam and earnestly requested ICC within one week inform GVN of measures ICC intended take against Hanoi authorities as result this incident. Letter added GVN and Vietnamese people awaiting with greatest attention word of action to be taken.

ICC met morning Oct 18 and unanimously agreed send letter GVN expressing “deep sorrow” over death of Col. Nam and asking ICC condolences be transmitted to family. Canadians and Indians also proposed ICC send additional letter asking GVN submit further proof that DRV implicated in Viet Cong activities such as kidnapping of Col. Nam, in order permit ICC consideration of possible investigation. During discussion this proposal Indian chairman warned Poles ICC might be in for serious trouble if no action taken on Nam case. Poles requested delay in order seek instructions from Warsaw but subsequently agreed to send letter proposed by Indians and Canadians. This done afternoon Oct 18.

Comment: ICC letter, which so worded as to invite evidence of DRV connection with Viet Cong in relation allegation latter’s responsibility for Nam kidnapping, represents real “breakthrough” in subversion issue. ICC bound consider information submitted in response its own request and GVN, as result earlier Jorden visit,⁴ has developed useable and effective evidence which can now be exploited to fullest….

“Time limit” for ICC action contained GVN letter unprecedented GVN tactic. GVN may have in mind using Nam case as justification for anti-insurgency actions in direct conflict with Geneva Accord.

We shall endeavor impress on GVN unprecedented opportunity presented by ICC letter and necessity exploit it.

Nolting

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.00/10-1861. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to New Delhi, Ottawa, London, CINCPAC for PolAd, Geneva for FECON, Paris, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Vientiane.
2. Not found.
3. Not further identified.
4. See Document 139.