257. Telegram From the Central Intelligence Agency Station in Saigon to the Director of the National Security Agency (Blake)1
8. Critic. Conein reports from JGS that Gens have group of nationalistic anti-Communist pro-Western civilian politicians with them at JGS. These individuals will head the new civil administration. There well be no military personalities in high positions in the new government. Military hopes to turn over government to the civilians within two to three days.
Gens have taped a proclamation for broadcast and have taken over VTVN studios. However, one relay point apparently blown up, and broadcast of proclamation delayed.
[Page 512]Now at JGS are Gens “Big” Minh and “Little” Minh, Khiem, Kim, Le, and Chieu. Gens claim Gen Khanh and Gen Tri also supporting coup. Gens report Bien Hoa and My Tho have been taken by forces loyal to them.
Now heavy firing vicinity Embassy. AAA going up. Apparently duel going on between aircraft and ships in river.
- 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 Flash to USIB agencies. Received at the Department of State at 3:55 a.m.↩