Aug. 16, 1964 - Strongman Nguyen Khanh (pictured) today set about forming a new war cabinet in Saigon after a blitz-like government shakeup which installed him as President and swept away his opponents.
The general won ratification from the ruling Military Revolutionary Council of a new constitution establishing a national assembly. The office of Prime Minister, which Khanh had held, was abolished in favor of the Presidency.
The new power-packed Presidency, once held by the assassinated Ngo Dinh Diem, enabled Khanh to rid himself of the nominal chief of state, Gen. Duong Van Minh, who did not extend to Khanh wholehearted support.
Minh led the coup against Diem. Khanh had persuaded the popular Minh to lend his prestige to the new government by taking the post of President, then a figurehead.
Minh today sent word to the council that he would abide by any majority decisions.
The shakeup, which automatically dissolves the existing cabinet, will enable Khanh to drop other ministers he feels have not given his programs strong enough support.
After today’s vote, Khanh declared, “I am not a military dictator.” He said he would form a war cabinet dedicated to stepping up the fight against the Communist Viet Cong.
U.S. Ambassador Maxwell Taylor met with Khanh Friday and was kept informed of the latest developments.
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