Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part IV. A. 3.djvu/16

Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3 NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011 TOP SECRET – Sensitive  {| style="width:100%; text-align:left" cellspacing="10"
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 * width="50%"| in TRIM seemed able to rise above differences and initiate sound programs for the VNA.
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 * 22 Feb 55
 * United Front announced
 * French subsidies to the Cao Dai and Hoa Hao sect armies — about 40,000 men — ended in February. When Diem refused to meet sect requests for financial aid, integration of forces into the VNA, and recognition of spheres of influence, previous sect cooperation with Diem ceased. Representatives of the Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, Dan Xa (Ba Cut), Lien Minh (Thinh Minh Thé) and Binh Xuyen (Bay Vien) forces met at Tay Ninh, agreed to work together against Diem. Cao Dai Pope Tac headed the group.
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 * 21 Mar 55
 * United Front "ultimatum"
 * Claiming to speak for the popular will, the United Front asked that Diem form a government of national union and make other political, economic, military reforms. Diem called this an ultimatum and refused to consider the request. The Front then sent an emissary to Bao Dai asking him to intervene on its behalf. Bao Dai refused.
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 * 29–30 Mar 55
 * Diem attacks central police headquarters
 * Brewing for months, the fight finally broke between Diem and the Binh Xuyen (a coalition of gangsters and river pirates which ran gambling and prostitution in Cholon, and the Saigon-Cholon police, paid Bao Dai for his protection and enjoyed some French support). A company of paratroopers took over the central police station, driving the Binh Xuyen back into Cholon. Diem then wanted to go after Police Commissioner Sang and end Binh Xuyen control. Defense Minister Minh resigned when Diem refused to consult the cabinet over this. However, French representations
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