Office of the Historian

256. Telegram From the Central Intelligence Agency Station in Saigon to the Director of the National Security Agency (Blake)1

Saigon, November 1, 1963.

6. Critic. Conein reports from JGS Gens firmly decided there to be no discussion with the President. He will either say yes or no and that is the end of the conversation.

CAS officer observed four AD-6 fighter bombers with munitions aboard at approx 10,000 ft over Saigon at 1515.

Heavy fighting including armor, small arms, and possibly some light artillery vicinity Palace as of 1530 furs.

Conein reports from JGS Gens have monitored radio broadcast from Palace to First and Second Corps and 21st Division. Broadcast states coup attempted in Saigon but all insurgents arrested. Can hear fighting from Embassy. Can confirm insurgents not arrested.

As of 1535, 105 fire reported Palace vicinity.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 26 S VIET. Secret; Flash. The source text is the copy sent for information Flash to the Department of State. Also sent Flash to USIB agencies. Received at the Department of State at 3:40 a.m.↩