Office of the Historian

244. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1

Washington, July 25, 1964—4:18 p.m.

245. As part of the problem of making clear our full support for Khanh, we have been concerned that he may have the feeling that USG in past has been pressuring him to maintain Minh’s position and go easy with Dalat generals. While we have always felt that Minh’s position could be useful in enlisting public support, we believe this aspect may now be secondary to crucial need reinforce Khanh’s position in every possible way. Accordingly, you may in your discretion sound Khanh out whether he wishes us dissociate ourselves further from Minh and whether he needs our support in taking tough line against Dalat or other generals.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Secret; Priority, Exdis. Drafted by William Bundy and cleared by Forrestal and Harriman.↩