Office of the Historian

191. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1

Washington, June 28, 1963, 5:48 p.m.

1286. Embtel 1243.2 In light Khiet letter to Diem, [2 document numbers not declassified], we fear renewal demonstrations, possible bloodshed, and serious deterioration whole situation as grace period “given” GVN by Buddhists ends this weekend. Therefore believe you should urge GVN haste in implementing measures indicated reftel.

In particular, immediate publication orders to provincial officials should be helpful. If in fact GVN has arrested and prosecuted GVN officials responsible for Hue May 8 affair as indicated [less than 1 line not declassified] (urtel 1249),3 this should also be publicized. On balance think it would also be well urge immediate action on proposed communique giving number of persons arrested and number still held, with reasons, as per your 1249.

You might consider letting Thuan know we have good information that indicates at least some elements Buddhist hierarchy may be moving rapidly toward more demonstrations and essentially political actions. We think it most important keep moderate elements in control of Buddhist movement by means concrete GVN action in consonance with June 16 agreement.

Ball
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET. Secret; Operational Immediate. Drafted by Heavner and cleared by Hilsman. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
  2. Document 189.↩
  3. In telegram 1249 from Saigon, June 28, the Embassy reported on a conversation on June 27 between Minister of the Interior Luong and a CIA officer. Luong discussed the evolution of the Buddhist crisis, which he felt was inspired by the Viet Cong. Luong indicated that the Diem government intended to defuse the crisis by releasing a communique within a day or two, which would set the record straight on the question of arrests made by the government during the crisis. (Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET)↩