VZCZCXRO7969
RR RUEHHM
DE RUEHHI #2624 2860439
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 130439Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3689
INFO RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 1978

UNCLAS HANOI 002624 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV VM
SUBJECT: MFA PROTESTS AMBASSADOR'S REMARKS CONCERNING DEMOCRATIC 
POLITICAL MOVEMENT 
 
REF: HO CHI MINH 1145 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: On October 11, MFA Americas Department Acting 
Director General Pham Van Que called in the Charge to protest 
remarks about the Vietnamese political movement 8406 Bloc made by 
the Ambassador during an October 2 Radio Free Asia interview. 
According to Que, the remarks caused a negative reaction among some 
in the GVN, who misinterpreted them as USG support for regime change 
in Vietnam.  The Charge reaffirmed U.S. support for peaceful freedom 
of expression in general, and for the 8406 Bloc's right to advocate 
for political change.  At the same time, he assured Que that the USG 
does not support any anti-regime group in Vietnam.  End summary. 
 
MFA Reacts Strongly to Remarks in Support of 8406 Bloc 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) MFA Americas Department Acting Director General Pham Van 
Que opened the October 11 discussion by raising the Ambassador's 
interview with a Radio Free Asia reporter, which appeared on the RFA 
website on October 4.  Acting DG Que specifically referred to the 
Ambassador's remarks about the 8406 Bloc and noted that the group is 
trying to form a political party this year and has called for regime 
change.  Que said the Ambassador had expressed support for freedom 
of expression, and also supported the activities of people belonging 
to that group. 
 
¶3. (SBU) Que said the statement had caused negative reactions among 
some people in the GVN.  The interview's contents expressed the 
"wrong intention" of the United States, which is particularly 
surprising because the Ambassador is usually very positive.  The 
Ambassador's meetings with Vietnamese groups in the United States 
are politically sensitive.  But, the Ambassador's statements could 
be viewed as encouragement by the U.S. Government of what this group 
is attempting to undertake in Vietnam.  It has an impact on 
U.S.-Vietnam relations, especially at a time when the GVN is working 
hard to prepare for the President's visit and to make progress on 
the "many issues that the U.S. side has recently raised with the 
GVN." 
 
U.S. Supports the Principle of Free Speech 
------------------------------------------ 
 
¶4. (SBU) The Charge responded that the topic of Que's discussion was 
not a surprise since the External Relations Office in Ho Chi Minh 
City had already made similar comments to a ConGen representative 
(reftel).  Que is correct in describing the Ambassador as a strong 
supporter of an improved U.S.-Vietnam relationship.  Furthermore, 
the USG supports the right of individuals to peacefully express 
political views.  The USG's understanding is that the 8406 Bloc is a 
political group.  The Charge emphasized that the USG does not 
support, materially or otherwise, any anti-regime group in Vietnam. 
The Ambassador's remarks would reinforce the group's right to make 
political statements in peaceful ways, an activity that the United 
States and the international community do not regard as a crime in 
any way, the Charge stressed. 
 
¶5. (SBU) Que replied that the GVN has expressed the position many 
times that it can not tolerate the expression of political views 
advocating the overthrow of the current regime in Vietnam.  Perhaps 
the U.S. Government does not understand that, as a result of having 
to overcome war and revolution, Vietnamese society is not as stable 
as U.S. society.  The GVN is trying to enhance the rights of people, 
including their freedom and democracy, but at the same time trying 
to keep Vietnam safe.  It is a policy for the good of the Vietnamese 
people.  Referring to a discussion a couple months ago between the 
Ambassador and VFM Le Van Bang about the activities of the 8406 
Bloc, Que noted that the Ambassador had said that the Embassy will 
pursue a low-key response to the 8406 Bloc.  The statement in the 
Radio Free Asia interview was not low-key, Que averred.  A statement 
of support for the 8406 Bloc sends the wrong signal to some in the 
GVN. 
 
¶6. (SBU) When the Charge replied that the Ambassador's remarks 
should not be misread to suggest the U.S. Government wants 
instability in Vietnam, Que said it is hard to explain this to some 
people in the GVN.  The Ambassador's use of the phrase "call for 
political change" in Vietnam has caused serious concern.  Because of 
the history of our relations, the GVN is working hard to build 
confidence.  In light of remarks such as the Ambassador's, it is 
both hard to explain efforts to build relations with the United 
States and hard to respond to criticism that some within the GVN are 
pro-American and soft on America, Que concluded. 
 
MARINE