Word: thieu
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...rumors of coups have been an established part of Viet Nam's political life-style since the overthrow and murder of Ngo Dinh Diem in November 1963. In the current supercharged atmosphere many observers have noted a chilling similarity between then and now. Like Diem, President Nguyen Van Thieu has become increasingly isolated from the realities of Viet Nam and dependent on a small group of advisers who, in the opinion of one former Diem official, are "too self-confident and judge too subjectively." But, unlike 1963, Thieu's government enjoys strong U.S. backing...
Nevertheless, rumors of coups persist as a kind of spectral presence. In a showdown, however, most observers feel that the military would not back Ky but would either remain neutral or support President Thieu...
...event, Thieu is taking no chances. The number of troops around Independence Palace has been nearly doubled, and security has been increased at the main radio station and public utilities. In recent weeks an old Diem regulation has been revived, which prohibits Vietnamese Air Force planes from overflying Saigon. As a final perverse touch, rumors have been floated that Thieu might launch a phony coup as a pretext to arrest...
...When the search for provincial endorsements looked utterly hopeless, Ky's forces made a last-minute stab at the Assembly. There, 59 members had remained uncommitted despite Thieu's pressure tactics. Suddenly, as if on cue, Dr. Tran Tarn, a Catholic theologian and former Director of Information in the regime of Ngo Dinh Diem, declared himself a candidate, and 28 Assemblymen just as suddenly endorsed him, thus leaving an insufficient number to validate Ky's candidacy. Even before the filing deadline passed, Tarn dropped from the race. Few observers believe the Tam candidacy was anything other than...
...strapped for cash, probably could not have mustered more than 20% of the vote in the election. But that 20% might have been enough to let Minh slip into power, since most of it probably would have been siphoned from Thieu's reservoir of votes-the military and the hardliners...