NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
Page 2 of telegram to Saigon - Paris RPTD INFO: Phnom Penh - Vientiane
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effect such action on Asian countries like India. Their recent increase anti-Diem and anti-American propaganda may well be result realization magnitude what they face and chances ultimate Free World success.
2. Withdrawal our support would hasten Communist takeover Viet-Nam and have adverse repercussions all Southeast Asia. Consequently, investment Viet-Nam justified even if only to buy time build up strength elsewhere in area. We are going have maintain flexible policy and proceed carefully by stages Viet-Nam. Simultaneously we are thinking of ways and means strengthen Cambodia, Laos and Thailand against contingencies. But we basically and immediately faced with problem strengthening Free Viet-Nam and must devote best efforts that task.
3. Under present circumstances and unless situation in Free Vet-Nam clearly appears hopeless and rapidly disintegrating, we have no choice but continue our aid Viet-Nam and support of Diem. There no other suitable leader known to us. Can any successor make up for Diem's deficiencies without also lacking Diem's virtues? Could we anticipate stable process of succession and not worse confusion and weakness than now exists. These tough questions and would appreciate your views.
4. I agreed with Mendes-France at Paris four items concerning problem of Diem. (reference telegram) while study of alternate leaders among these points I did not agree Generals Collins and Ely should establish deadline for replacement Diem by another man. It agreed that Collins and Ely would report late January on overall situation.
5. I do not consider Bao Dai's return Viet-Nam would really solve our
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