Office of the Historian

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

Saigon, November 29, 1961, 6 p.m.

729. Reference: Deptel 693.2 In somewhat improved atmosphere here, believe cool and unhurried approach is our best bet for success. Diem habitually takes quite a while to react; he likes to take other people’s ideas and make them his own, sometimes. I have indications that he is trying to come up with something along lines we suggested, and I think it would be a mistake to rush him.

Definitely think better arrangements to benefit of common cause can be made if we do not become impatient and if I use latitude between my original instructions and reference telegram prudently and in response to his ideas.

Since dictating above, learn from Thuan that Diem wants to see me tomorrow (November 30), after his return from field trip.

Nolting
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.00/11-2961. Secret; Niact; Eyes Only. Repeated to Bangkok and CINCPAC for PolAd.↩
  2. Document 286.↩