On April 28th 1975, with the North Vietnamese takeover of Saigon imminent, General Duong Van Minh accepted the presidency of South Vietnam. He gave the following speech to the international media:
“Fellow citizens, in the past days a situation so urgent and critical has arisen that many religious groups and generals have asked me to become President.
The mission assigned to me is clear: to attempt to bring peace, the sooner the better, and to negotiate a political solution for South Vietnam based on the Paris agreement; to put an end to the war and re-establish peace.
The administration under me will be composed of elements of all parties, to bring unification to our country. I strongly believe I can form such an idealistic Administration and Cabinet in a short time.
Faced with the current situation, I have only one hope. That is to bring a mutual understanding among the people. Such an understanding can be realised only when all elements of the political parties accept the policy.
The coming days will be very difficult. I cannot promise you much. One of the primary policies is to free all political prisoners and put an end to discrimination against the press.
The success of this administration will depend on calm and support among the people. I call upon all political parties and religious sects to forget about the hatred and suspicion they have for each other, and to unite for national strength.
I will welcome any initiative and suggestion for peace and I am willing to cooperate with people of good will.
Fellow soldiers, I have spent most of my life in the armed forces. I know more than anyone else, I understand the hardships you have suffered in the last few weeks.
Today an old page of history will be turned. You have a new duty: This is to defend the territory that is left and to defend peace. Keep your spirit high, your ranks intact, and your positions firm to accomplish that duty.
When the ceasefire order is given, your mission will be rigorously to execute that order in accordance with the clauses of the Paris agreement and maintain order and security in your areas.
You will not abandon your arms nor your ranks, and in any circumstances, you will strictly obey your officers. All undisciplined action will be immediately punished.
Now a few words to our friends of the other side, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam.
We sincerely want reconciliation. You know that. Reconciliation requires that each element of the nation respect the other’s right to live. That is the spirit of the Paris agreement. Let us sit together and negotiate and work out a solution. I propose we stop all aggression against each other. I hope you will approve my suggestion.
To friendly nations, I say the administration of South Vietnam wishes to maintain good relations and will welcome any help. We sincerely call on all the world’s people to come to our aid to recover peace.
Fellow citizens, in past days you have wondered why so many people have quietly left the country. I want to tell you, dear citizens, that this is our beloved land. Please be courageous and stay here and accept the fate of God.
Please remain, and stay together. Rebuild South Vietnam. Build an independent South Vietnam, democratic and prosperous, so Vietnamese will live with Vietnamese in brotherhood. Thank you very much.”