Office of the Historian

268. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1

Washington, November 1, 1963—6:53 p.m.

678. Re Critic 15.2 Initial names for provisional government appear good as well as civilian-military proportion. Trust remainder of slate will be as sound.

[Page 524]

Obvious that key to world attitude and most importantly US public and congressional reaction toward coup will depend primarily on Generals’ statements and actions to implement statements. Realize you acutely aware problem this respect we face here and through wise counsel you doing what possible to assure Generals take right steps. We realize this Vietnamese affair and Generals appear to know where and how they wish to proceed and may not seek advice or take it if requested. Nevertheless for guidance following are points we hope Generals will bear in mind.

1.
Practical evidence of determination prosecute war with renewed vigor.
2.
Reprisals at minimum.
3.
Safe passage for family to exile.
4.
Humane treatment for arrestees.
5.
Minimum censorship both method and length of time.
6.
Minimum period martial law.
7.
Prompt announcement re assumption RVN international obligations and readiness maintain relations with states friendly to RVN.
Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 26 S VIET. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Koren; cleared by McGeorge and William Bundy and Harriman; and approved by Hilsman and Rusk.↩

  2. This telegram, November 2—2:50 a.m. Saigon time, reads as follows:

    “Reliable source at IGS reports that following personnel selected for provisional government which is to hold power for three to five months.

    “Prime Minister Nguyen Ngoc Tho

    “Vice Prime Ministers Pham Huy Quat and Tran Van Ly

    “Min of National Defense and Commander of Gen Staff Maj Gen Tran Van Don

    “Min of Interior, Brig Gen Ton That Dinh

    “Min of Information, Brig Gen Tran Tu Oai

    “Min of Youth and National Education Maj Gen Tran Van Minh

    “Foreign Min Vu Van Mau

    “Min of Public Works Tran Le Quang

    “Ambassador to US Tran Van Chuong

    “Min of Finance, Economy, Agriculture, Justice and Health are still to be chosen but all will be civilians.

    “Vice Pres Tho has contacted Gens and is alive and safe. There will be no President in provisional govt since the Gens view Presidency as elective office whereas Prime Ministership appointive office. After 3 to 5 months free elections will be held for the election of a President. Gen Big Minh has several times emphasized he desires no post whatsoever.

    “Same source reports Gen Dinh now at Palace talking to Commander of Ranger Battalion who has joined Presidential Guard.

    “Provisional govt will state its primary objective as the successful prosecution of the war against the VC.” (Ibid., POL 15-1 S VIET)

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