241. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State1
144. Some encouraging news and symptoms over past several days re Buddhist problem-but also several perplexing developments.
Was assured yesterday by Bui Van Luong (Interior Minister) that government would use no repressive measures against further Buddhist demonstrations, having concluded that most people bored with Buddhist agitation and becoming convinced that GVN proposals just and sincere attempt settle religious problem. Thus he thought no real risk in letting up on security measures. This checks with info received independently from Diem’s doctor, who told me that in his presence Diem had called Interior Minister, Colonel Y (secret police chief), and Saigon Police Chief to instruct them not to use force or arrests against Buddhist agitators or demonstrators. This may be overly optimistic reading, but nevertheless instructions are along lines we have been advocating. May be crucial in connection with big demonstration planned by Buddhists for Tuesday, July 30, which is seventh and final weekly memorial of Quang Duc’s death. There has been much publicity about this, with Buddhist appeals to shopkeepers and civil servants and others to quit work and demonstrate. Self-sacrifice of Buu Hoi’s mother also forecast by her for this date. (Buu Hoi has not yet returned to Saigon as expected and requested by government, and this is disturbing.)
Meanwhile, Vice President Tho tells me that Buddhist leaders have semi-agreed to meet with government commission on provisional basis (i.e., with no terms of reference set and free to leave if they [Page 547] don’t like set-up) on July 31. Tho said that in telephone talks his contact, a moderate Buddhist leader, said in effect that they (Buddhist leaders) wanted to try one more wingding before agreeing to sit down in joint sessions. Tho worried re outcome Tuesday’s events, but unable persuade Buddhists to meet beforehand.
Thuan tells me that Diem couldn’t bring himself to invite directly and publicly Tich Tinh Kiet to come to see him, but did send word through Tho that he would see him if requested. (This of course misses main point my recommendation, but may nevertheless help some.)
Talked to Mau about getting Buu Hoi back here quick, and he agreed to send him another SOS. Said Buu Hoi had heart condition which made it dangerous for him to travel (somebody else said bad liver). I said I reckoned he’d have worse than that if he didn’t come back soon.
Several members of government have assured me that, for present, nobody seems to be trying to undercut policy of conciliation. However, one report to contrary is that Nhu did order veterans demonstration, which he later repudiated (cannot vouch for accuracy).
Finally, I have had serious word from Vice President, Thuan, and Mau that GVN continues to receive reports (with some details) that several official Americans are encouraging Buddhists to continue agitation until Lodge arrives and U.S. pulls rug on Diem. Disavowing again such nonsense (which my informants also discounted), I am nevertheless taking measures to cut to essential minimum contacts of American officials with Buddhists in pagodas (especially Xa Loi), and investigating certain apparently unauthorized contacts, which may have given rise to suspicions among many gullible people. One good reason for doing so is possibility that Saigon police, already overstrained, may come to put credence in such rumors, which would be bad. I shall lay out facts fully to Diem and Tho when I get them.
Atmosphere calm over weekend.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14-1 S VIET. Secret; Limit Distribution. Repeated to CINCPAC.↩