Nguyen Hai Than

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This is a Vietnamese name; the family name is Nguyễn, but is often simplified as Nguyen in English-language text. According to Vietnamese custom, this person properly should be referred to by the given name Thần.

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Nguyễn Hải Thần (Hán Tự: 阮海臣) (c.1878 – 1959) was a very powerful political leader during the Vietnamese Revolution. He was responsible for the release and pardon of Hồ Chí Minh. Than also was the leader of the Việt Nam Cách Mạng Ðồng Minh Hội, which opposed the presence of the French in Vietnam. He later became Vice President to Ho Chi Minh and helped establish the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Because American support for the DRV ceased shortly after it was established, the French returned and brought with them ten years of war.

Than was very well respected in his political position and his views were held in high regard. Many people would come to him if they had any problems and he would do what he saw was best for the people. When Hồ Chí Minh was arrested for crimes against the French government and sentenced to death, Than stepped in and, using his charming nature and sensible dialogue, he managed to get Hồ Chí Minh pardoned and set free.

Although he led this drive to get Hồ Chí Minh free, he did not enter into it lightly. The reason for this is because Hồ Chí Minh was not well respected by the French and Than might have lost his position as a sensible man in the eyes of many. Therefore he considered the situation at some length before deciding to become involved.