Mendenhall disagreed and argued that the anti-Diệm sentiment had reached a level where the collapse of civilian rule was possible.[1] He reported a "reign of terror" in Saigon, Huế and Da Nang,[2] observing that the popular hatred usually reserved for the Nhus had spread to the generally respected Diệm. Mendenhall asserted that many Vietnamese had come to believe that life under Diệm worse than being ruled by the Viet Cong.[9] Mendenhall thought that a civil war on religious grounds was possible.