260. Telegram From the Central Intelligence Agency Station in Saigon to the Director of the National Security Agency (Blake)1
7. DTG 011053Z. Critic. From reliable source at JGS from Gen Big Minh: The moment of decision has arrived, troops are moving on Gia Long and expect to take possession of the Palace by 1900 hours. They are prepared for a counter move. Gens are very hopeful for early recognition of their new govt by the United States and other Western powers. Military will not retain power. Gen Minh repeated this several times. Will turn over to civilian control within two or three days if possible and will bend every effort to make sure civilian control is complete within one week. When the coup is completed, possibly on the night of 1 Nov the Gens will come to the Embassy and ask Thich Tri Quang to join the new govt. They will not attempt to force Thich Tri Quang in any way. He will be given free choice to join up or abstain.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 26 S VIET. Secret; Flash. The source text is the copy sent Flash to the Department of State. Also sent Flash to USIB agencies. Received at the Department of State at 6:08 a.m.↩