0 - The Black Vault

TF
THE BOM CORPORATION
out of government service, civil and military--not to
mention the American people. In the last few months
(and especially days) they have in fact positively
alienated these people to an incalculable degree.
SI . The chance of bringing off a Gernerals' coup
depends on them tn some extent; but it depends at least
as much on us.35/
Althoughl former Ambassador Nolting and Under Secretary of
State Ball argued against the US encouraging a coup attempt agairst Diem,
the US found itself irrevocably committed to getting Diem out.
A white paper which was published by the new South Vietnamese
government following the November 1, 1963 overthrow of Diem delineated the
US involvement in that Coup. It emphasized that the coup was planned,
programmed and carried out by RVNAF officers; however, it was an American
"who decided its success or failure under the immediate command of Henry
Cabot Lodge . . . Besides Ambassador Cabot Lodge, another American in
"Saigon was in charge of activating and following up the master plan of the
Vietnamese generals. He was Lt. Colonel Conein, the adviser to Colonel Le
Quang Tung."36/ Conein was present in the JGS headquarters building
throughout the military actions against Diem.
He was in constant communication
with the US Embassy.38/
Many viewed the US role in the overthrow of Diem as an
unfortunate mistake. General Westmore.a-xr- perspective is one of the
strorger views:
The young president (Kennedy), in his zeal, made
the unfortunate mistake of approving our involvement in
the overthrow of President Diem in South Vietnam. This
action moraily locked us in Vietnam. Political chaos
prevailed in South Vietnam for over two years. Were it
not for our interference in political affairs oi South
Vietnam and based on pragmatic consideration, we could
in my opinion have justifiably withdrawn our support at
that time in view of a demonstrated lack of leadership
and unity in South Vietnam.39/
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