751G.13/10–154: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1
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1194. Limit distribution. Paris pass Heath. For Heath:General Ely will expect talk you Saturday2 if possible and will leave his address at Embassy.
Decision order you France to talk with Bao Dai has arisen out of your own recommendations as well as conclusion reached by Department approaches to him by French, purporting speak for United States, unsatisfactory method handling this important matter.
General Smith agreed with La Chambre and Ely morning Sept 30 that separate consecutive approaches better be made Bao Dai by Ely and you. La Chambre concurs. If you deem otherwise leave to your judgement in working it out with Ely. Ely scheduled leave Paris for Saigon Sunday or Monday and intends see you after his separate and prior meeting with Bao Dai.
Embassy Paris will have available Department’s report on US–French talks and agreements reached. French have committed themselves support Diem although they convinced he cannot survive even with French and US support. They asked our views concerning a possible successor and have proposed consideration be given Buu Loc. (See our next following telegram.)3 We strongly believe that effort consolidate Diem’s position would not be enhanced at this time by either French or US discussions of alternate with Bao Dai. LaChambre and Ely informed and agreed.
In your talks with Bao Dai recommend you follow line which in your opinion will be most rewarding in achieving his support Diem [Page 2110] plus including action at least neutralize active opposition of Binh Xuyen and Hinh. If not active cooperation what we want from Bao Dai as well as what we believe we have obtained from French is a reasonable period of time during which, with our support and in absence organized or inspired opposition, Diem can make an effort, and we hope achieve, a strongly nationalist, anti-Communist government.
We realize Bao Dai has apparently made a deal with the Binh Xuyen and might have difficulty in reversing such commitment. You might question future ability Binh Xuyen enjoy gambling monopoly, (with corollary of questionable ability to pay). This left your discretion. Hinh has proven he not amenable orders of legal government. Only conclusion is he will likewise show disloyalty to any other legal government. Bao Dai should instruct him prove loyalty and patriotism as soldier by carrying out his orders.
You may make point we are not wedded Diem as person but as a nationalist leader of unquestioned honesty and proven anti-Communist convictions. While he may have his shortcomings, examination alternate chiefs government makes us concerned however, lest those apparently available would not form government qualified receive American aid and support. In view your extensive knowledge what makes Bao Dai tick, we leave your discretion best method obtaining results we want. At your discretion might wish inform Bao Dai President has signed letter to President Council of Ministers.4 (Paris has original text without your suggestion which later incorporated.) If strengthens your hand might inform him you prepared deliver this personal letter when return Saigon confirm US support.