Office of the Historian

141. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State1

Saigon, February 19, 1965, 3 p.m.

2654. A coup d’etat began at about 1300 today, 19 February which apparently was tactically directed by General Lam Van Phat and reportedly includes most of the participants of the 13 September coup group2 less Duc. The principal organizing power behind the coup said to be Tran Van Don who is supported by the followers of Ambassador Khiem.

Foregoing information comes largely from CAS officer in contact with liaison officer of Don.

Phat is at Tan Son Nhut which he at least partially controls. Tanks are reported at several places in town to include Khanh’s house, Suu’s house, and Gia Long Palace. Ky is reported under arrest.

Khanh is at Vung Tau from which he has just telephoned Westmoreland. Khanh reports having seen Tanks at Tan Son Nhut upon departure and is plainly caught by surprise. PTT telephone lines cut throughout city.

Will continue to report as situation becomes clearer.3

Taylor
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–9 VIET S. Secret; Flash; Limdis. Repeated to CINCPAC, Bangkok, and Vientiane. Received in the Department of State at 2:20 a.m.↩
  2. See Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, vol. I, Document 347.↩
  3. A further report, including a brief summary of Taylor’s conversation that afternoon with Prime Minister Quat, was sent in telegram 2657 and received in the Department of State at 4:27 a.m. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–9 VIET S)↩