Circa Date

Aug 1063

Description

This document sheds light on MACV Commander Paul Harkins’ thinking when he said in a previous (and still classified) telegram that the “die [was] cast.” According to Harkins, the U.S. government would lose all credibility if it withdrew support from the Generals in their effort to remove the Nhus. Interestingly, Harkins seems to point to a relatively strong U.S. role. “Generals,” he writes, “will not move without US support, and until detailed tactical plans are drawn, and forces aligned,” but the U.S. was cut out from the military planning. According to Harkins, the U.S. should not abandon two parallel efforts: supporting the Generals and continuing to reach out to Diem, but Harkins recognizes that Lodge disagrees with this double track. Harkins remains hopeful that “skillful execution” could permit the Generals and the U.S. to achieve their objectives with minimal bloodshed.

Source

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, White House Office Files, National Security Adviser, Saigon Embassy Files Kept by Ambassador Graham Martin: Copies Made for the NSC Staff 1963-1975 (hereafter GRFL Saigon Embassy Files) Box 8, Folder "Henry Cabot Lodge, Including Diem Coup, 1963-65 (2)”

Document published in following posting(s):

A House Divided: Washington, Langley, Saigon, and the Plot Against Diem

May 22, 2025

General Paul D. Harkins, Commander Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), Telegram for General Maxwell D. Taylor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, [Assessment of Situation in Vietnam], Top Secret/Eyes Only, Undated (circa late August 1963)