The new government’s lack of credibility was starkly evident at its “grand” inaugural ceremony in Hanoi. Fewer than fifty Vietnamese were on hand—not including police and soldiers—and the event lacked any semblance of organization. General Xuan appeared in court dress and looked uncomfortable throughout. Masses of schoolchildren were herded in to wave flags and shout slogans, but this served only to accentuate the farcical nature of the event. Various receptions and dinner followed, but the air of unreality never dissipated.
