289. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State1

310. Delivered President’s letter and public statement2 to Khanh at 1600 local 5 August. He was pleased to receive letter and expressed complete agreement with it. He understands that it is confidential and not to be released. I took opportunity to stress importance of getting on with our joint military planning which is being initiated today by General Westmoreland and DefMin Khiem.

I gave him in general terms our US plans for reinforcing SEA area of which the introduction into SVN of 2 squadrons of B–57’s and 1 squadron of F–102’s was a part. He responded that his country was open to US forces at any time and no permission for introduction need be sought, particularly if time presses.

I cited danger at time like this to neglect the counter VC campaign and urged him to keep pressure behind the operations in progress. He stated that he had already issued instructions to this effect.

He has decided to make Cap St. Jacques his alternate command post. Westmoreland is looking the facilities over today, particularly the signal communications.

We decided to postpone the GVN National Security Council-US Mission Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow, 6 August.

Still no news here on results of Seventh Fleet strikes. Khanh most interested (as am I).

Taylor
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Secret Immediate; Exdis; Pierce Arrow. Also sent to the Department of Defense and repeated to CINCPAC, CIA, and the White House. Received at 6:09 a.m.
  2. Documents 283 and 286.