Khanh Sends 2 Men Abroad

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30561, 2 October 1964, Page 13

Khanh Sends 2 Men Abroad

(N .Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

SAIGON, September 30.

The South Vietnamese Prime Minister, Major-General Nguyen Khanh, today announced Cabinet changes and other movements of top staff which have been demanded by the “Young Turks” of the armed forces.

But in a communique General Khanh denied that he was under pressure and said he still had “complete authority to make internal changes in the armed forces as well as in the Government.” The changes involve the sending abroad of two Ti'fgh Officers reported to be on a “black list” submitted to General Khanh by the “Young Turks.” Lieutenant-General Tran Thien Khiem, commander-in-chief of the armed forces and one of the triumvirate of generals appointed to run the country temporarily, is being sent abroad on a special mission.

“Accordance With Plan” General Khanh’s communique said that General Khiem was going abroad “in accordance with a plan of long standing” to thank nations which have given aid to South Vietnam. Such plans were known about several weeks ago. but were put aside. General Khiem’s departure scheduled for tomorrow is seen by observers as being in an entirely different context, result’ng from pressure by the “Young Turks.” General Khanh’s press secretary, Colonel Pham Ngoc Thao, will be sent to Washington, where he will take a job in the Vietnamese Embassy. Colonel Thao, a former Communist who defected to the Diem Government several years ago, is regarded as one

of the most capable officers in the Vietnamese Army. But because of his ability and his past he is widely mistrusted and the “Young Turks” had him high up on their black list. The “ Zoung' Turks” saved General Khanh from an attempted coup for the purging of certain officers in high positions. Last Friday they re-'-mphasised their demands over a dinner with General Khanh.