308. Letter From President Kennedy to President Diem 1
Dear Mr. President: As the Republic of Viet-Nam comes once again to celebrate its establishment and its independence, the United States of America sends greetings to the Vietnamese people and to their government.
In writing to you on this same occasion last year,2 Mr. President, I paid tribute to your countryʼs heroic struggle against the campaign of terrorism, destruction and suffering by which Communism had responded to the progress which your young republic had achieved. In those dark days the American people joined with your compatriots in looking forward to a future October twenty-sixth when Viet-Nam would again know peace, and its citizens would begin to enjoy the [Page 719] freedom and prosperity which Communist subversion would deny them. That day is approaching. The valiant struggle of the past year, the sacrifices and sorrows of countless heroes and the introduction of new institutions such as the strategic hamlet to bring lasting social and economic benefits to the people in the countryside earn for Viet-Nam the worldʼs admiration.
As Viet-Nam gains its victory over adversity and aggression, it will be in a position increasingly to devote its energies to achieving closer cooperation among the community of free Southeast Asian states. Each of these nations has its unique character and philosophy. In common they are confronted not only by grasping Communism but also by the chance to develop together. By sharing the development of their individual capacities they can multiply their mutual strength. Thus can Southeast Asia become unassailable and contribute to the stability of the world community. This task is as difficult as it is necessary. It will require a mutual submergence of differences and bold leadership. It will call upon those of vision to see a future of Asian peoples working for their common benefit in a harmony and freedom bequeathed them by their forefathers.
Mr. President, I again express my faith and that of the American people in Viet-Namʼs future and I look forward with confidence to a year of increased momentum and progress leading to the restoration of peace, law and order, and a better life for the Vietnamese people.
Sincerely,