751G.5/9–1054: Telegram
The Ambassador in Vietnam (Heath) to the Department of State
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953. Repeated information priority Paris 317. Embtel 933, repeated Paris 310 [312].1 President Diem has today relieved General Hinh as Chief of Staff Vietnamese National Army and replaced him by General Vy.
Events leading up to this development have moved very swiftly. Hinh failed to appear for 5 p.m. appointment with President September 9. Diem sent Secretary State for Defense Chan look for Hinh. Chan was unable locate Hinh either at army headquarters or at home and was told Hinh had not been seen since morning. This morning, September 10, Diem learned that General Hinh had reappeared and summoned Hinh to Palace. Hinh arrived shortly after 11 a.m. and heated discussion between President and Chief of Staff ensued.
Diem pointed out sternly that Hinh had failed to show up for appointment at which he was to tell President how long he would be absent on leave. President intimated to Hinh that he knew of Hinh’s involvement in plot. Hinh defended himself, pointing out he had founded National Army, his officers devoted to him and would be unwilling to see him leave country at this time and said he had mentioned going on leave only because President insisted on punishment of Colonels Lam and Giai who had been arrested for plotting against Government.
[Page 2016]Diem announced he had stood enough, that he was relieving Hinh of duties as Chief of Staff immediately and had already ordered General Vy to take over from Hinh. In order save Hinh embarrassment President was sending him on six months “study” mission in France and expected him to leave by Sunday, September 12. Hinh pleaded for time but President was adamant. Hinh asked if he might return after two or three weeks to pack belongings he would not be able assemble in short time President had given him to depart. Diem replied his decision on this would be based on Hinh’s conduct during those two or three weeks.
General Hinh asked President if he would refrain from prosecuting officers involved in plot should Hinh leave. President did not reply. Hinh asked if he might take with him staff officers who were deeply devoted to him and would undoubtedly wish accompany him. Again President did not reply. Hinh pointed out General Van was senior to General Vy and asked that he be spared embarrassment by being sent on leave at this time while General Vy took over as Chief of Staff. President agreed to this.
Prior to his interview with General Hinh, Diem had already written and signed order relieving Hinh of his duties and appointing General Vy Chief of Staff. He had also spoken to Vy evening September 9, telling him of his intentions. Vy had been reluctant supplant Hinh but Diem told him this war order and Vy said he would obey orders of President. Presidential order making change was rushed through legal processing while Hinh’s interview was going on and was finally effective before interview was concluded.
President will inform Cabinet of this development this afternoon and change of command scheduled to take place 5 p.m. this afternoon, September 10 at army headquarters.
Diem feels that General Vy is not as strong a soldier as he would wish to have as Chief of Staff but believes he is best available.
It is still possible Hinh or hot-headed staff officers devoted to him may yet attempt use force.
If Diem is by this action able gain control of army through General Vy who has been ordered select new and loyal staff officers, he will have made big step toward putting himself into position of strength from which he should have opportunity create strong government.2
- Supra.↩
- In telegram 954 from Saigon, Sept. 10, 7 p.m., Ambassador Heath reported that General Vy had refused to assume the duties of Chief of Staff. The Ambassador stated: “It appears to us that this is moment at which showdown must come between Diem and Hinh and one or other will emerge as major force.” He thought that the French would not intervene unless widespread disorders occurred. (751G.5/9–1054)↩