Source: The Pentagon Papers, Gravel Edition, Volume 2, p 735
Reprinted from New York Times
Lodge's Reply to Washington
Cablegram from Ambassador Lodge to Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Assistant Secretary of State Roger Hilsman, Aug. 25, 1963.
Believe that chances of Diem's meeting our demands are virtually nil. At same time, by making them we give Nhu chance to forestall or block action by military. Risk, we believe, is not worth taking, with Nhu in control combat forces Saigon.
Therefore, propose we go straight to Generals with our demands, without informing Diem. Would tell them we prepared have Diem without Nhus but it is in effect up to them whether to keep him. Would also insist generals take steps to release Buddhist leaders and carry out June 16 agreement.
Request immediate modification instructions. However, do not propose move until
we are satisfied with E and E plans. Harkins concurs. I present credentials
President Diem tomorrow 11 A.M.