SITUATION IN SOUTH VIETNAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000300100002-7
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 22, 1998
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: October 26, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For Release DP80R01443R000300100002-7
NSC BRIEFING 26 October 1954
SITUATION IN SOUTH VIETNAM
I. Government paralysis continues.
A. Diem stays in only because oppo-
sition fear remove him physically.
B. Coup rumors recur but plotters
lack necessary assurance of French
non-interference.
C. Army attache believes Hinh sup-
ported by majority of army; but
troop morale low.
D. Trip to Manila arranged for two
Hinh henchmen.
II. Diem resisting opposition demands.
A. Awaiting arrival brother with
word from Bao Dai. (c i1t ay
B. Bao Dai's entourage deep in
intrigue involving premiership.
Approved For Release 1999/09108 : CIA-RDP80RO1443R000300100002-7
 Approved For Release 0R01 443R000300100002-7
III. French still hold key.
A. They can keep Hinh under wraps
through control of his troops'
pay, supply.
B. French agreed support Diem
only to please us, according
Deputy Commissioner General.
C. He sees French future in a
disguised Cochinchina
protectorate.
D. Mendes-France refers to plan
for Bao Dai to send "viceroy"
to Saigon with "no power to
interfere."
E. But Bao Dai's cousins Buu Hoi
and Buu Loc likely candidates
for job, have been intriguing
against Diem.
Z
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP80RO1443R000300100002-7
 Approved For Release 19 01443R000300100002-7
IV. Crisis in Saigon gives Viet Minh
virtually free hand elsewhere.
A. Army attache estimates under
present trend by late 1955
they will dominate coalition
government or have completely
taken over all but cities.
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Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP80RO1443R000300100002-7