PERSONS/ENTITIES: LODGE, Henry Cabot (Amb. to SVN) NHU DIEM DEPTEL 243
DATES: 24 August 1963
CATEGORIES: Diem
OCCURRENCE: In a State telegram to Saigon (DEPTEL 243), on August 24, 1963, the following message was relayed: "The DEPARTMENT informs the AMBASSADOR that the U.S. Government cannot tolerate a situation in which power lies in NHU's hands. If DIEM is unwilling to rid himself of NHU, then DIEM himself may have to go. The AMBASSADOR is authorized: (1) to inform the GVN that actions against BUDDHISTS must be redressed; (2) to tell key military leaders that the USG cannot support a DIEM regime that includes the NHU's and that 'we will give them direct support in any interim period of breakdown central government mechanism;' (3) to make statements in Saigon removing the military taint on the pagoda raids." "The telegram includes the following statement: 'The AMBASSADOR and COUNTRY TEAM should urgently examine all possible alternative leadership and make detailed plans as to how (cont.).'
SOURCE: I.G. REPORT 1967, Part C, pp. 4-5
STAFF: Dawson
FILE:
DATE: 28.6.75
PERSONS/ENTITIES:
DATES:
CATEGORIES:
OCCURRENCE: (con't from card 1) we might bring about DIEM's replacement if this should become necessary. You will understand that we cannot from Washington give you detailed instructions as to how this operation should proceed, but you will also know we will back you to the hilt on actions you take to achieve our objectives.'" (4-5)
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