Fall of a Strong Man

INDOCHINA

Last week Nguyen Van Tam resigned as Premier of Viet Nam, biggest and most important of the three Associated States of Indo-China. In the strange tangle of intrigue and paradox that is Vietnamese internal politics, Tam, once an ardently pro-French pet of the French, had lost out in a struggle for power with wily Chief of State Bao Dai.

Up to six months ago, Nguyen Van Tam was a strong man in Viet Nam. Born 58 years ago to a family of small merchants, he was educated in France, became a lawyer, teacher and government official. His son married a French girl. He had a hand in putting down Communist insurrections before and during World War II, and wore, among other decorations, the French Croix de guerre with palm and star. He became Minister of Security (chief of police) and finally--against Bao Dai's wishes--chief of government, or Premier.

Last summer, when Premier Laniel's government promised sovereignty for the Indo-Chinese states within the French Union, Bao Dai (who was once an emperor and is still referred to as Sa Majeste) began playing an ardently pro-French line. Feeling his position menaced, Tam tried to bolster himself by joining the Vietnamese nationalists, but they would have none of him because of his earlier pro-French record.

Tam's latest collision with Bao Dai occurred when, despite his rebuff from the Nationalists, he backed their demand for negotiations with Ho Chi Minh's Communists. He also demanded measures to strengthen his Cabinet. When the ex-Emperor refused, there was nothing for Tam to do but to resign his post. If the French concur, Bao Dai will probably appoint as Premier his good friend and disciple Prince Buu Loc, 39, a member of the Annamese royal family.

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