230. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1
103. Ref: Embtels 109,2 112, and 111.3 In view Buddhist reaction to Diem broadcast and your estimate (Embtel 95)4 that Buddhist agitation now controlled predominantly by activists aimed at overthrow of GVN, believe we must anticipate further Buddhist demonstrations and violence. In these circumstances and in light coup rumors, it clear we have to deal with most uncertain and volatile situation.
It seems to us that outcome remains obscure: We do not know whether Diem really will do the things he must if his regime is to survive. We therefore inclined continue for present public posture of noninterference this internal affair, neither favoring Buddhists or Diem in public statements, but merely expressing approval all helpful steps and hope for peaceful settlement.
At same time we think it essential to continue press Diem resolve situation by actions and statements designed to meet squarely Buddhists’ legitimate grievances. We much encouraged by progress you have registered to date and hope you can prevail on Diem to insure removal barricades around pagodas, release those arrested during Buddhist demonstrations, and pay compensation to those injured. These Buddhist demands seem reasonable even if motivated by political [Page 518] aims. Meeting them appears to be essential if moderates are to regain control Buddhist movement and if Diem is to rally sufficient support to reestablish stability.
For above reasons we made text of Diem broadcast available to newsmen today and commented on it only as follows:
“This broadcast reaffirms the Government’s intent to carry out the June 16 agreement. It provides a procedure whereby differences over implementation of the agreement can be amicably settled between the Government and the Buddhists. We hope that with this new procedure and with good will among all concerned, that the issue can be resolved.”
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET Secret; Operational Immediate. Drafted by Heavner and cleared by Kattenburg, Rice, and Rusk. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
- Document 229.↩
- Telegram 111 from Saigon, July 19,
transmitted a translation of a letter reportedly sent to President
Diem by the Intersect
Committee for the Protection of Buddhism in response to Diem’s July 18 radio broadcast.
The letter welcomed Diem’s
statement but asked for concrete steps to implement the June 16
agreement, such as the release of all Buddhists arrested since May
8, punishment of those responsible for Buddhist deaths on May 8, and
indemnification of the families of those injured. (Department of
State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET)
In telegram 112 from Saigon, July 19, 8 p.m., Ambassador Nolting reported on what he saw as positive developments: Diem had ordered the barricades removed from all pagodas, and bonzes were permitted to return to their pagodas, but could not congregate at Xa Loi Pagoda. Nolting noted that he had urged the government to go beyond those steps and release those jailed following the July 17 demonstration, offer compensation to those injured by police on July 17, and establish the practice of handling future demonstrations by non-forceful means if possible. South Vietnamese officials with whom Nolting had talked felt that President Diem was now moving in the right direction on the Buddhist issue, and Nolting recommended again that the statement which he had urged the Department to make in telegram 109 would foster this positive movement. (Ibid.)
↩ - Document 223.↩