Lansdale felt that the execution would tarnish Diệm—who had proclaimed the Republic of Vietnam (commonly known as South Vietnam) and declared himself President—and antagonise Ba Cụt's followers.
Lansdale merasa bahwa eksekusi itu akan menodai Diệm—yang telah memproklamasikan Republik Vietnam (umumnya dikenal sebagai Vietnam Selatan) dan mendeklarasikan dirinya sebagai Presiden—dan memusuhi pengikut Ba Cụt.