Declassified CIA documents on the Vietnam War - University Library

Document abstracts from U.S. Declassified Documents Online are included with permission from the Gale Group. U.S. Declassified Documents Online requires a subscription to access. Current USask library patrons can use their NSID and password to access the collection through our subscription. The USask Library cannot provide access to full-text documents for anyone outside our institution. Check with your local library to see if they subscribe.

Full-text documents may be available online from Texas Tech University's Virtual Vietnam Archive.

Learn more about the project: Lam, Vinh-The, and Darryl Friesen. "A Web-based Database of CIA Declassified Documents on the Vietnam War." Online 28, no. 4 (2004): 31-35.

Advanced search...

Title:

South Vietnam's Constituent Assembly : a preliminary appraisal

Date of Creation:

October 25, 1966

Date of Declassification:

March 4, 1994

Type of Document:

Intelligence memorandum

Level of Classification:

SECRET

Status of Copy:

ORIGINAL

Pagination, Illustration:

15 p.

Abstract:

The makeup of the Constituent Assembly generally reflects the traditional regional and religious aspects of South Vietnamese politics, with southern regionalism the most active force evident thus far. If, during the life of the Assembly, a "dominant" bloc emerges, it will most likely be an alliance of Catholics and Souhtherners. The Catholic delegates have already demonstrated considerable cohesiveness. Much of the political maneuvering in the body to date has centered on the forthcoming election of Assembly officers, which will be the first real test of blocs or alliances. Another noteworthy factor, the inexperience of many of the deputies, is causing the Assembly to move more slowly than anticipated in its task of drafting a constitution. Thus far, no fundamental factor has appeared which should prevent the adoption of a constitution acceptable both to the Assembly and the military leaders in the Ky regime. The Assembly has avoided any serious controversy with the government thus far, but there are potential problems relating to current restrictions on the scope and independence of the Assembly. In addition, political developments outside the Assembly will undoubtedly affect the behavior of the deputies, and it is conceivable, in fact, that a group of Southern deputies might resign should they feel the Northern-dominated government is giving insufficient consideration to Southern interests. Given the current political atmosphere, the chances are that no strong or lasting national political alliances will emerge from the Assembly. It is also probable that the Assembly will not contribute much to the resolution or the moderation of the larger problems in the political life of South Vietnam. However, the large number of relatively inexperienced deputies, many of whom will later have political roles, will gain some legislative experience, and this in itself is useful.

Declassified Documents Reference System Location:

1996-0023