PERSONS/ENTITIES: HILSMAN, Roger (Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs) CIA
DATES: 8/22/63
CATEGORIES: Diem
OCCURRENCE: On August 22, 1963, in a CIA cable to Saigon (DIR 53334), the following message appeared: "Ref dept. telegram in process. Retel (which Hqs. not yet seen) states basic line to be taken and directs that it be pushed at all levels. Hilsman requested Hqs. send companion telegram to station pointing out this is one technique to bring about surfacing of where and who real power is. Pressing this line could maximize possibility of obtaining USG objective. Even if it does not succeed, it can substantially assist in identification of alternate or successor leadership with necessary drive, abilities and ambition, to incorporate in our overall contingency planning and serve as focus of build-up program. Hqs. will comment and in further detail after seeing message, if necessary, but passes above at Hilsman's request." (3)
SOURCE: 1967 I.G. Report, Part C
FILE: Cage
STAFF: RD
DATE: 6/28/75
CARD #2
TOP SECRET
SOURCE: 1967 I.G. Report, part C, p.3
FILE: Cage
STAFF: RD
DATE: 6/28/75