NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
| Control: | 5011 |
| Rec'd: | APRIL 9, 1955 |
| 2:06 PM. |
TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
| FROM: | SAIGON |
| TO: | Secretary of State |
| NO: | 4448, APRIL 9, 10 P.M. (SECTION TWO OF FIVE) |
NIACT
FOR SECRETARY FROM COLLINS.
DEPARTMENT TELEGRAMS 4411 AND 4412.
C. After France and U.S. have agreed on a man, Bao Dai's consent must then be obtained. This would have to be done through Paris.
D. Bao Dai would then summon the nominee to Paris for consultation. If possible, this should be done secretly. If Quat were the choice, it might be done without a leak since he has made a couple of trips to Paris within the past year.
E. Assuming nominee would accept task of forming government, he would have to return at once to Saigon for consultations. These consultations should commence with discussions with Ely and me, who would inform 'him as to nature of programs which U.S. and France would support. Armed with this knowledge, he could then proceed with conversations with prospective ministers, representatives of various political parties, and leaders of the Sects.
F. I feel that as soon as nominee has accepted, Diem should Be invited by Bao Dai to resign or else be relieved. Under no circumstances should Diem be told of plan before French and U.S. have approached Bao Dai and gained his assent: to inform him could give him damaging material for his "White Paper". Effort should be made by Bao Dai to have Diem remain in office until his successor is prepared to take over. If he should refuse to do this, which is wholly possible, Bao Dai would then have to designate, preferably from present cabinet, someone to act as interim President of the Council. Unquestionably, as soon as Diem receives
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