Arriving in Da Nang , Châu consulted separately first with the Buddhist monks , and then later with units of the army stationed in Da Nang ( most of whose soldiers Châu describes as Catholics originally from northern Vietnam and anti-Buddhist ) . A Buddhist elder who arrived from Huế ( Châu 's hometown , about 100 km . north of Da Nang ) endorsed Châu to his co-religionists as a loyal Buddhist . As Da Nang mayor he ordered the release of Buddhists held in detention by the army . When an army colonel refused to obey Châu , he called President Diệm who quickly replaced the rebellious colonel . " The city returned to near-normal . " Yet that August , instigated by Diệm 's brother Nhu , armed forces of the Saigon regime conducted the infamous pagoda raids throughout Vietnam , which left many Buddhist monks in jail . In Da Nang , Châu rescued an elderly monk from police custody . Then Châu met with hostile Buddhists in a " stormy session " . The Buddhist wanted to stage a large demonstration in Da Nang , to which Châu agreed , but he got a fixed route , security , and assurances . During the parade , however , the Catholic Cathedral in Da Nang was stoned . Châu met with protesting Vietnamese Catholics , especially with Father An . He reminded them that " Diệm , a devout Catholic " had appointed him mayor of Da Nang . Accordingly , it was his duty to " be fair to everyone " and to favor no one . " Passions subsided gradually on all sides , and relative calm returned to the city " of Da Nang by late October
pagoda raids
Xá Lợi Pagoda raids
Trần Ngọc Châu