Office of the Historian

251. Telegram From the Commander, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (Harkins) to the Director of the National Security Agency (Blake)1

Saigon, November 1, 1963—2:24 p.m.

DTG 010624Z November. Critic. At 1345H General Don telephoned Stilwell, J-3 and stated in the clear all (sic)2 Generals were assembled with him at JGS HQ and were initiating a coup. Stilwell asked if timing was immediate and was told yes. Don asked that I be informed at once.

I notified Ambassador at 1400. He had just received info that Marine unit had seized the PTT. CAS reports unidentified elms have seized central Police station.

Army elms (presumably 3rd Airborne Bn) are on road from airfield to Saigon. Reports of fighting at Special Forces HQ adjacent to JGS.

Ambassador and I have directed AFRS to broadcast warning to US personnel to stay off streets in view reported civil disturbances.

Numerous troop movements reported this morning. All details later. Will keep you advised.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 26 S VIET. Secret; Flash. The source text is the copy sent for information Flash to the Department of State. Also sent for information Flash to USIB agencies. Received at the Department of State at 1:44 a.m.↩
  2. As on the source text.↩