Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume IV, Vietnam, August–December 1963

90. Paper Prepared by the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Hilsman)¹

Washington, September 11, 1963.

POSSIBLE POLITICAL PRESSURE WEAPONS FOR USE AGAINST DIEM AND NHU

1. Decision of Afro-Asian group to raise GVN repressive measures at regular session of UNGA.

2. Statement by the U.S. to Diem and/or publicly to the effect that U.S. demands that the GVN cease the use of all U.S.-supplied equipment for the repression of non-Communists. Institution of end-use checks to determine whether our demand is being complied with.

3. Appropriately timed leaks on Nhu’s contacts with the DRV to effect that Nhu is selling out to the Communists.

4. Suspension of CAS programs in support of the GVN.

5. Evacuation of American dependents from Viet-Nam.

6. As a follow-up to Mr. Hilsman’s cable re Senate sentiment on Viet-Nam,² a cable on Senator Church’s statement that he will introduce resolution to stop aid to Viet-Nam unless GVN changes its repressive nature.

7. Removal of wraps on Tri Quang so that press can interview him. Purpose: to get across to the public that GVN gestures toward the Buddhists are meaningless and to demonstrate to Diem and Nhu that U.S. may consider Tri Quang a political alternative.

8. Informing the press that U.S. visa being issued to Foreign Minister Vu Van Mau.

1. Source: Kennedy Library, Hilsman Papers, Countries, Vietnam, Undated. Secret. There is no drafting information on the source text, but this is apparently the second paper Bundy asked Hilsman to prepare; see Document 85.
2. Document 63.