Office of the Historian

258. Telegram From the Central Intelligence Agency Station in Saigon to the Director of the National Security Agency (Blake)1

Saigon, November 1, 1963, 5 p.m.

2. DTG 0-00Z. Conein at JGS reports Big Minh called President on telephone but President allegedly not present and Big Minh spoke to Nhu. In order show strength all Gens present including in addition to those previously named, Gen La, Gen Tam, Gen Oai, and Gen Ngoc. In addition, Col Lam of the CG, Col Khang of the Marines and Col Khuong also spoke to Nhu on the telephone. In addition, Col Tung was forced at gun point to announce that he a prisoner. Air Force Commander did not speak. Conein believes he has been eliminated. Big Minh stated to Nhu that if the President and Nhu did not resign, turn themselves over to the coup forces within five minutes, the Palace will sustain a massive airborne bombardment. At this, Gen Minh hung up.2

  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 Flash to USIB agencies. Received at the Department of State at 4:11 a.m.↩

  2. In the next telegram in this series, CAS Saigon 3, DTG 0-21Z, November 1, the Station relayed the following information on a second Big Minh-Diem telephone conversation:

    “Conein reports from JGS that Gen Big Minh once more called President Diem and Diem hung up as of 1715 hours. Minh has given the order to bomb the Palace. This apparently refutes radio announcements that President has resigned which broadcasted approx 1710 hr.” (Ibid.)

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