Complex sentence: Lodge did not discuss anything specific with regards to a regime change, but only claimed that he was not worried by rumours that Diem and Nhu wanted to kill him, and expressed his "admiration and personal friendship" and gratitude for Diem's hospitality.
Split into simpler sentences: Lodge did not discuss anything specific with regards to a regime change, but claimed that he was not worried by rumors that Diệm and Nhu had wanted to assassinate him. Lodge expressed his "admiration and personal friendship" and gratitude for Diệm's hospitality.