PERSONS/ENTITIES: KENNEDY, JOHN F. RICHARDSON, JOHN DATES: Oct. 9, 1963 CATEGORIES: DIEM OCCURRENCE: On October 9, 1963 Presidential news conference the President stated that "I know that the transfer of JOHN RICHARDSON, who is a very dedicated public servant, has led to surmises but I can assure you flatly that the CIA has not carried out independent activities, but has operated under close control of the Director of Central Intelligence operating under with the cooperation of the National Security Council and under my instructions." SOURCE: IG Report 1967 (CIA) p. 32 STAFF: FILE: DATE: Dawson PERSONS/ENTITIES: LODGE, HENRY CABOT COLBY, WILLIAM KENNEDY, JOHN F. DATES: Oct 9, 1963 CATEGORIES: DIEM OCCURRENCE: In a CIA cable to Saigon of October 9, 1963, marked eyes only for Ambassador (DIR#4228) which was originated by WILLIAM COLBY the following appears:"... while we do not wish to stimulate coup, we also do not wish to leave the impression that U.S. would thwart a change of government or deny economic or military assistance to a new regime and if it appeared capable of increasing effectiveness of military effort, insuring popular support to win war and improving working relationships with U.S." The cable urges that the contact with MINH press for "detail information clearly indicating that MINH's plans offer a high prospect of success." The text states that these "additional general thoughts" have been discussed with the President and that the cable had been cleared with high officials at White House, State and Defense." SOURCE: STAFF: FILE: DATE: Dawson