POLITICAL SUPPORTS FOR THIEU FROM RETIRED AND INACTIVE GENERALS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-23-3-32-7
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: October 5, 2010
• Sequence Number: 32
• Publication Date: May 12, 1972
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/10/15: LOC-HAK-23-3-32-7
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SE?T/EYES ONLY
SUBJECT: Political Supports for Thieu From Retired and
Inactive Generals
FROM: JOHN D. NEGROPONT
MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. KISSINGER
Thieu needs all the support he can get at this juncture from the quiescent and
fence-sitting retired or inactive generals. Otherwise, they are prey to
Communist efforts to lure them over to their 3-segment national concord
government concept-particularly if there are some more temporary but
inconclusive military reverses.
Some recent signs are encouraging, such as Big Minh's remarks to an
American observer that a coalition government would lead to Communist
domination and a disastrous bloodbath.
Vice President Ky is casting about for a role and told an American observer
on May 10 that Thieu should make a public gesture of cooperation toward him
as a way of demonstrating unity in the face of the present crisis. Ky said
he would offer to be responsible for a refugee program or a similar task.
These problems always cut both ways. If Thieu tries to enlist the support of
these men, he becomes to some extent dependent on them and one could argue
that this approach will slide you back towards the kind of concensus politics
and committee rule which plagued the GVN decision making apparatus from
1964-67. On the other hand, Thieu needs all the help he can get as long as
he doesn't encumber his ability to act decisively in the process.
I think for starters a gesture to Ky might be a good thing and if skillfully
handled would mean one less fifth-wheel bouncing around at this critical
time. Ho, Thieu does it, is obviously up to him; but I have drafted a back-
channelici` plants this thought and suggests he may wish to pursue it with
Thieu.
Recommendation:
That you approve the message to Ambassador Bunker at Tab A.
DOS, NSS, reviews
Approve Disapprove
completed.
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/10/15: LOC-HAK-23-3-32-7