NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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trade unionists, peasants, etc. Bao Dai said it was his intention to make representation broad as possible.
14. Bao Dai stated that he had decided on Hinh as special emissary to Sects. We pointed out that this decision would come as great shock to American public opinion who looked upon Hinh as rebel against government. He had had to be removed from Saigon for that reason. It would be interpreted as a sign that Bao Dai was sending Hinh as means upsettling National Army's loyalty to government. Bao Dai said these were interpretations he could not help and that circumstances no longer permitted him to be influenced by them. Fact was, he said, that Hinh enjoyed most support in Vietnam military circles of any Vietnamese general. He had been removed from Vietnam by Bao Dai at our request in order give Diem free hand in establishing his authority over the army and in reestablishing law and order and a government of natl union. Bao Dai removal of him was best example of extent of effort to give Diem every chance. Diem had consistently failed. Now it was Bao Dai's purpose to end present bloodshed by removing Diem from scene and thus preventing National Army from taking further armed action. At same time, he must make certain that Sects would desist from similar armed action. He had already take steps to accomplish former by decree. Only way he could assure latter was by force his own authority backed up by that of man who had greatest influence. Man was Hinh. Hinh will carry Bao Dai's orders for integration of Sect forces into National Army and Bao Dai guarantees Sects will obey him and message Hinh carries if Diem is removed from scene.
15. At this stage of interview, Bao Dai became so excieted that at times he could barely talk. He said that no man had ever enjoyed the powers which Diem had had from very beginning. Bao Dai had transferred all his powers to him. He was fully backed by both France and U.S. He was given large sums of money and his military forces were clothed, fed and equipped by foreigners. He was constantly helped by foreigners to do things he was incapable of doing himself. General Collings and Ely and Bao Dai had all been in his service. Even Chief of Staff of the Vietnam Army was removed from scene because Diem
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