Concerned for his mother and the deteriorating situation in Vietnam , Hội returned home in attempt to mediate between the Buddhists and Diệm . Rumours began to circulate stating that the Americans wanted Hội inserted in a newly created post of Prime Minister , in order that the Ngô family 's power would be diluted . He spent many hours talking with the Buddhist leader Thích Trí Quang at Xá Lợi to ensure that his mother would not actually self-immolate . The negotiations were fruitless and were futile . Shortly after midnight , the Special Forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam loyal to Nhu raided pagodas across the country , vandalising , looting and in some cases detonating them , arresting around 1400 monks and nuns . Up to 400 civilians disappeared or were killed trying to repel the invaders from the temples . Bửu Hội went to Gia Long Palace at the end of August to take leave and return to his laboratory . At the time , the United Nations had been strongly condemning the actions of Diệm 's regime . When Nhu told him ( in French : " You have left me in the shit " ) , Hội agreed to defend Saigon at the UN in New York on the condition that a fact-finding mission would be allowed to enter the country and freely see the truth for themselves
raided pagodas across the country
Xá Lợi Pagoda raids
Bửu Hội