Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume III, Vietnam, January–August 1963

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

Saigon, June 15, 1963, 2 p.m.

1189. CINCPAC for POLAD. Department telegram 1225.² Saw Thuan 1230. He was deeply distressed and angry at NYT story. Said at first it would “ruin” negotiations.

Thuan reported talks with Buddhists this morning had made little progress. Buddhists had in fact asked unaccountably that meetings be adjourned until Monday, but under GVN prodding finally showed up hour late. Thuan now thought they had gotten word of NYT story (this entirely possible as US press fully aware from their headquarters).

I told Thuan I saw nothing to do at this point but press for quick agreement. He asked for our help. Could I state publicly that there has been no change in our policy of supporting GVN and that U.S. is gratified at reported progress yesterday? I said I would have to request instructions and could not be sure Dept would authorize such statement in present context. I would nevertheless inquire.

I cannot of course guarantee that statement will have any effect on negotiations. It would take some of curse off this affair in GVN eyes. Statement would have no value unless I can make it on explicit instructions. Please instruct.³

Trueheart

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET. Secret; Emergency. Repeated to CINCPAC. A note on another copy of this telegram indicates that the President read it. (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Vietnam Country Series, 6/63)
2. Document 174.
3. The Department responded, in telegram 1228 to Saigon, June 15, sent out emergency at 3:22 a.m.: “You may state publicly there has been no change in U.S. policy of supporting GVN and U.S. gratified at progress thus far reported.” (Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19-2 US-S VIET) Trueheart reported, however, in telegram 1192 from Saigon, June 15, 7 p.m., that Thuan had informed him at 6:30 p.m. that negotiations with the Buddhist delegation had been successfully concluded, and Trueheart felt that, in light of that development, it was no longer necessary to make the statement. (Ibid., SOC 14-1 S VIET) On June 17, Foreign Minister Mau called in Trueheart to discuss handling press queries growing out of the story in The New York Times. Mau noted a report that the State Department spokesman had confirmed the story, and Trueheart explained that the report was inaccurate. (Telegram 1196 from Saigon, June 17; Ibid.)