Civilian Govt. Still Favoured

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30776, 14 June 1965, Page 11

Civilian Govt. Still Favoured

(N.Z. P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

SAIGON, June 13.

South Vietnamese military leaders seized power early yesterday and served notice on the Chief of State, the Premier and the Legislature that they no longer had confidence in the country’s civilian politicians.

The military move brought to an end the Government led by Dr. Phan Huy Quat, who had won military approval for his Government only 16 weeks ago.

Official sources said, however, the military leaders would probably ask Dr. Quat and his Cabinet to act as a caretaker government until a military regime could be formed. Roman Catholic leaders and their allies said today they favoured a civilian rather than a military government to take the place of the Quat Administration.

Their views were expressed in a statement issued by representatives of the Catholics, the Southern Buddhists and the Cao-Dai and Hoa-Hao religious sects. These groups formed the core of opposition to Dr. Phan Huy Quat’s Government. | Dr. Quat today urged South

Vietnamese political and religious factions to close ranks to prevent South Vietnam falling into the hands of Communists. He said the situation in Vietnam “is becoming more and more serious.” The Chief of State. Phan Khac Suu, resigned with Dr. Quat. Brigadier-General Ghuyen Cao Ky. commander of the Air Force, was believed to have a strong voice in directing the shape of the new government.