[Pete]

I had not realized there was even a question as to whether we killed Diem. I guess a debate could have existed as to whether we were passive or active. It is my understanding that it has been known for a while that Washington was waiting to hear word of Diem's demise. The famous picture of Diem and his brother in the back of the truck was the confirmation. Making the leap from allowing it to orchestrating it is that far and not really unexpected or surprising.

[DeFault User]

They acknowledge most readers will find it difficult to accept that Kennedy authorized the overthrow of the Catholic government of South Vietnam and the assassination of Diem, South Vietnam's democratically elected, constitutional president.

Like you, I always heard this as stated fact, no doubt about it.

[metesky]

Henry Cabot Lodge, then US Ambassador to SVN, actually got into the truck with the Diem's and listened to their pleas to get off the hook, coldly said can't help you and left.

Just like a Mafia hit.

[RippleFire]

I didn't know there was any question that the Kennedys killed Diem either.

[fightinJAG]

I agree. I thought it was well-known that U.S. operatives assasinated/facilitated the assasination of Diem.