HELP ME SUMMARIZE!!
The regime of Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam, in addition to facing a stiff challenge from resurgent communist guerrilla forces, is also confronted with internal problems that are potentially more dangerous.
Criticism of President Diem’s authoritative, one-man rule is becoming more pronounced at all levels of the government, including even among the military. One common complaint is that Diem’s refusal to delegate authority beyond a tight circle of relatives and cronies has paralyzed effective government, fostered favoritism and corruption, and facilitated communist subversion.
Non-Communist opposition to Diem outside government circles—among intellectuals, labor leaders, etc.—is still uncoordinated but is becoming more outspoken. A warning flag is the recent statement in Saigon by a group of former Vietnamese government officials and civil leaders, demanding liberalization of the government and adoption of democratic practices.
Despite growing pressures for reforms, Diem will probably try to maintain the status quo. He insists that emergencies of the times preclude more democratic practices. He thinks more in terms of bigger and better-equipped military forces to beat down the growing communist threat than in basic political and economic reform measures. Over the long run, the communists stand to make even greater subversive gains because of the internal weakness of the Diem regime.