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In Saigon, Ambassador Lodge, though plainly playing for time, took hold firmly. In talks with both Diem and Nhu (the latter described as "hostile" by insiders), Lodge expressed the U.S.'s sharp disapproval of their repressive policies. Pointedly he rejected the government's demand that the U.S. turn over two Buddhist monks who were given sanctuary in the U.S. Aid Mission building. Lodge's determination not to be buffaloed impressed top embassy aides. "I'm running things here, and I intend to run them with a firm hand," he told staffers. "If Washington wants a weasel for this job, it can find someone else."
Lodge's first task is to see that the political maneuvering does not affect the conduct of the war against the Communist Viet Cong. At least one troop unit has been moved from a fighting zone into the capital, and offensive military missions have been somewhat diminished. But so far, the war against the Reds has not been radically hurt by events in Saigon.
*Mme. Nhu does not reveal the day or month of her birth, but there is speculation that she may be Aries ("Very important to win the test of wills") or Leo ("If crossed, roars like a lion, lacks understanding of what is in the minds of others").