08-05-2011, 10:47 AM
How about Halberstam's treatment of Lodge when Diem finally learns that the Americans are plotting his overthrow about which Halberstam published this damning, verbatim exchange:
DIEM: Some units have made a rebellion and I want to know what is the attitude of the U.S?
LODGE: I do not feel well enough informed to be able to tell you. I have heard the shooting, but am not acquainted with all the facts. Also, it is 4:30 A. M. in Washington and the U. S. Government cannot possible have a view.
DIEM: But you must have some general ideas. After all, I am a Chief of State. I have tried to do my duty. I want to do now what duty and good sense require. I lelieve in duty above al.
LODGE: You certainly have done your duty. As I told you only this morning, I admire your courage and your great contributions to your country. No one can take away from you the credit for all you have done. Now I am worried about your physical safety. I have a report that those in charge of the current activity offer you and your brother safe conduct out of the country if you will resign? Have you heard this?
DIEM: No. (And then after a pause) You have my telephone number.
LODGE: Yes. If I can do anything for your physical safety, please call me.
DIEM: I am trying to re-establish order.
(Quoted from Halberstam, p. 290.)
I can never recall an American official being shown up as such a lying son-of-a-bitch as Lodge, especially since he could not even save their lives in his coup. And I see no evidence of any so-called Mickey Mouse in its reporting.
Oh, and LBJ was the most opposed Washington official to Diem's overthrow, ultimately thinking that it was responsible for JFK's
Won't answer any more bullshit about the matter.
DIEM: Some units have made a rebellion and I want to know what is the attitude of the U.S?
LODGE: I do not feel well enough informed to be able to tell you. I have heard the shooting, but am not acquainted with all the facts. Also, it is 4:30 A. M. in Washington and the U. S. Government cannot possible have a view.
DIEM: But you must have some general ideas. After all, I am a Chief of State. I have tried to do my duty. I want to do now what duty and good sense require. I lelieve in duty above al.
LODGE: You certainly have done your duty. As I told you only this morning, I admire your courage and your great contributions to your country. No one can take away from you the credit for all you have done. Now I am worried about your physical safety. I have a report that those in charge of the current activity offer you and your brother safe conduct out of the country if you will resign? Have you heard this?
DIEM: No. (And then after a pause) You have my telephone number.
LODGE: Yes. If I can do anything for your physical safety, please call me.
DIEM: I am trying to re-establish order.
(Quoted from Halberstam, p. 290.)
I can never recall an American official being shown up as such a lying son-of-a-bitch as Lodge, especially since he could not even save their lives in his coup. And I see no evidence of any so-called Mickey Mouse in its reporting.
Oh, and LBJ was the most opposed Washington official to Diem's overthrow, ultimately thinking that it was responsible for JFK's
Won't answer any more bullshit about the matter.