Trần Văn Lắm
Trần Văn Lắm, also known as Charles Trần Văn Lắm (30 July 1913 – 6 February 2001), was a South Vietnamese diplomat and politician, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Vietnam under Prime Minister Trần Thiện Khiêm during the height of the Vietnam War. He was most notable for his role in the Paris Peace Accords that occurred in 1973. In the late 1950s to early 1960s he served as the South Vietnamese Ambassador to both Australia and New Zealand. Lắm served as the President of the Senate of the Republic of Vietnam from 1973 until the Fall of Saigon in 1975.
Trần Văn Lắm | |
|---|---|
Lắm being interviewed in 1971 | |
| 2nd President of the Senate of South Vietnam | |
| In office October 1973 – 30 April 1975 | |
| Preceded by | Nguyễn Văn Huyền |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Vietnam | |
| In office 1 September 1969 – 11 July 1973 | |
| Prime Minister | Trần Thiện Khiêm |
| Preceded by | Trần Chánh Thành |
| Succeeded by | Vương Văn Bắc |
| 1st South Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia | |
| In office 1961–1964 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Nguyễn Văn Hiếu |
| 1st South Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand | |
| In office 1961–1964 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Nguyễn Văn Hiếu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 July 1913 Chợ Lớn, Saigon, Cochinchina, French Indochina |
| Died | 6 February 2001 (aged 87) Canberra, Australia |
| Political party | National Social Democratic Front |
| Other political affiliations | Cần Lao (until 1963) |
| Spouse | Trương Thị Bảy |
| Children | 9 (3 sons; 6 daughters) |
| Alma mater | Hanoi Medical University |
| Signature | |
When Saigon fell in 1975, Trần Văn Lắm was required to sign an undertaking not to take part in any political activities as a condition for his entry into Australia. He moved to Canberra where he and his wife opened a coffee shop. On 6 February 2001, Charles Trần Văn Lắm died in his Canberra home, aged 87.