Aug. 29, 1964 - A civilian, Nguyen Xuan Oanh (left), took over today as Acting Premier of South Vietnam as troops brought Saigon back from the verge of civil war.
The announcement came a few hours after paratroopers with fixed bayonets dispersed mobs that had nearly taken over the capital in two days of rioting and bloodshed.
Mr. Oanh, a former Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs, announced his selection at a news conference called by the Government. He said he would lead a caretaker government for two months.
The Acting Premier has spent several years in the United States. He speaks English fluently and is considered pro-Western.
Last night, as troops began to move against rioting groups of students, Buddhists, and Roman Catholics, a Government spokesman said that a military-civilian “committee of unification” would replace the Revolutionary Council.
The new committee will include the country’s three top military men — Gen. Nguyen Khanh, Gen. Duong Van Minh, and Lieut. Gen. Tran Thien Khiem.
Rioting, directed against authoritarian military rule, erupted Aug. 16 when Gen. Khanh’s title was changed from Premier to President and his power greatly increased.
At least nine persons died and scores were wounded in the latest outbreaks.
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