The World - News from Sept. 1, 1989

Vietnam’s leadership admitted altering the last testament of revered leader Ho Chi Minh, defying his wish to be cremated. A communique signed by Communist Party leader Nguyen Van Linh said the full, final testament of Ho, including additions made in 1969, were being made public this year coincident with the 100th anniversary of his birth and the 20th anniversary of his death. Linh said the party Politburo decided to preserve Ho’s remains instead of following his wish to be cremated so that Vietnamese from the defeated south and foreigners could pay their respects to him. Linh also said the Politburo had decided to announce that Ho died on Sept. 3, 1969, instead of the actual Sept. 2, Vietnam’s national day.