Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3
NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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he is convinced we took at the time of the November 11, 1960, attempted coup. It is essential that President Diem's full confidence in and communication with the United States be restored promptly.
3. Increasing the confidence of President Diem and his government in the United States must be the starting point of our new approach to Vietnam. Fortunately a number of circumstances are favorable; a new administration in the United States, a new ambassador going to Vietnam, and the fact that President Diem has received a new mandate. Nevertheless, the going will not be easy. Given Diem's personality and character and the abrasive nature of our recent relationships, success or failure in this regard will depend very heavily on Ambassador Nolting's ability to get on the same wave-length with Diem.
4. A series of Presidential Communications have been recommended and several have been sent. The President sent President Diem a short oral message on his election, and a warm public message on the occasion of his inauguration on April 29. A classified brief personal message has been sent saying that Ambassador Nolting is on his way with new proposals for joint actions to defeat the Communist insurgents. Messages relating to the Vice President's visit have also been sent. Another message from the President is in preparation laying out the broad outline of the Task Force program seeking Diem's cooperation and endorsement and proposing, effect, that this become a Joint Presidential Plan.
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