751G.00/7–951: Telegram
The Minister at Saigon (Heath) to the Secretary of State
70. In interest learn more about controversy reported by Hanoi between PriMin Huu and Tran Trung Dung (pronounced Zoong), editor ultra-Nationalist Hanoi Catholic newspaper Thoi Bao, Leg Off ventured interview latter during recent visit Saigon. Dung explained he was in extremely bad graces Huu and Security Min Tarn, after telling visiting Indo journalist in presence sûreté agent acting as translator that present independence Vietnam is farce and Ho Chi Minh is only true leader in country, “although it unfortunate he is Commie”. Huu exploded when he learned this and threatened close down paper and intern Dung in concentration camp. Purpose Dung’s visit Saigon was have frank talk with Huu but latter refused see him and sent word that if he had anything say, to tell it to Tam. Dung did not follow suggestion.
During conversation, Dung first impressed Leg Off as typical blind Viet ultra-nationalist, who wld view with equanimity whole world under Commie domination providing Vietnam cld be rid of Fr. He advanced suggestion that US obtain guarantee from Mao Tse-tung on occasion Korea cease-fire to effect that Chi Commies wld keep hands off IC. Queried by Leg Off as to whether he wld place much reliance in such statement from Mao, Dung said naturally not, but that it wld offer pretext for US intervene with Fr to withdraw expeditionary corps from IC. Leg Off obliged ask exactly how he thought this preposterous move wld serve interests of US which is committed to policy keep Commies from overrunning IC. Dung said that is precisely what is wrong with Amers: they are too anti-Commie and therefore neglect other considerations. They give napalm Fr and are surprised by reactions shown by Viets against its use on innocent villagers. In any event, he feels that policy of watchful waiting is only solution for Viet Nationalists. Controversy between east and west must soon be settled by victory one or other. In either case Vietnam stands gain independence. To question “what becomes of independence if country under Commie domination,” Dung said Communism contrary traditions both Vietnam and Chi and must eventually fade out. Leg Off suggested that recent history Chi was not particularly encouraging in this respect. Dung then changed line and asserted he as Catholic is naturally not Commie, but only want genuine independence, which implies progressive withdrawal Fr troops and their replacement by Viets. Fr commercial concerns and civilians can remain if they cease exploit country. He pointed out that he was law school [Page 445] companion of Vo Nguyen Giap,1 and latter who was once militarily illiterate has now become very capable general. If Giap cld do it, why not anti-Commie Viets also? He then stated he has fol of 4,000 young Catholic militants who wld make excellent officer material. These men all look as one to Ngo Diny [Dinh] Diem to save country. Dung said that he and others wld do anything Diem ordered. If Diem said: make your peace with Fr, they wld do so as they place complete reliance in Diem’s patriotism and ability.
Comment: while Dung is unusually outspoken, his ideas are apparently shared by many Viets, who seemingly cannot and will not understand threat that Communism is to their country. Southerner Tran Van An says such attitude typical of Tonkinese, who are in all cases uncompromising and do not possess necessary “souplesse” of mind to be effective statesmen. Dung, says An, is particularly bad example of Tonkinese who reasons with his heart rather than with his mind. Moreover he is very badly informed on situation in Chi and VM zones of Vietnam. An concludes that taste of life under Commies wld be good for Dung, who loves dramatize himself as “militant” but has been careful keep himself under protection Fr guns. South Viets are more realistic, but allow themselves be diverted from goal whenever see opportunity make smart piastre. Torn between northern blockheads and southern profiteers, country is badly in need moral revolution. Leg suggests that An’s views in this instance perhaps not far from truth.
Sent Department 70 rptd info Paris 21, Hanoi unnumbered.
- Minister of National Defense of the Democratic Republic of Viet-Nam.↩