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Title:
Nature of the Buddhist conflict in South Vietnam
Date of Creation:
September 27, 1963
Date of Declassification:
September 13, 1979
Type of Document:
Directorate of Intelligence special report
Level of Classification:
SECRET
Status of Copy:
SANITIZED
Pagination, Illustration:
4 p.
Abstract:
The Nature of the Buddhist Conflict in South Vietnam [Buddhist political and religious motivations cannot be
totally separated, and Diem regime's
anti-Buddhist actions have politicized many
otherwise apolitical Buddhists. While not
openly repressing Buddhists prior to May 8,
the Diem regime has displayed a Catholic bias
in its official philosophy, celebration of
Catholic holidays, and discrimination in the
government and armed forces. The May 8
incident was exploited by Buddhists eager for
a showdown, but all evidence implicates the
government in associated violence and deaths.
Subsequent Buddhist demands for political and
religious concessions have been ineptly
handled by the government. Tri Quang and
other Buddhist leaders now actively seek the
government's overthrow, though not in
cooperation with Communists or other Diem
opponents]. Directorate of Intelligence,
Special Report, OCI No. 0299/63C. Sept. 27,
1963. 4 p. SECRET. SANITIZED copy. Released
Sept. 13, 1979.
Indexing Terms:
Declassified Documents Reference System Location:
1981-427B