The general refused to do so unless the Americans publicly announced their support for him. The Americans then asked Khánh about his plans for the future, but felt that his answers betrayed a lack of direction. After talking to Phát and Đức, they concluded the same, so they decided to back the incumbent and made a press release through the embassy endorsing Khánh.[15] Their decision was augmented by the rebels' inability to land a decisive blow, making the Americans more favorable to a continuation of Khánh's rule.[28] The Voice of America broadcast a message emphasizing ongoing U.S. support for Khánh and opposition to the coup.[18] It said the Americans had been monitoring the situation closely and that the incumbent regime was functioning;[28] it further said: