50. Editorial Note
On March 7, 1963, Forrestal sent a copy of Nolting’s letter, Document 45, to Deputy Assistant to the President Carl Kaysen with a covering note that reads: “Everything is just dandy in Saigon!” (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Vietnam Country Series, 2/63-3/63) Also on March 7, Forrestal sent a letter to Harriman expressing appreciation for receiving a copy of Nolting’s letter. Forrestal added:
“It’s about what I expected, since this is more a question of attitude than of making a case one way or the other.
[Page 133]“The last two paragraphs are significant because I think they suggest that Fritz tends to be more concerned about preserving the legitimate government than keeping in touch with the opposition.
“I might also add that his statement, ‘All members of my staff know that they are free …’ to see and talk with members of the opposition was not entirely borne out in conversations that Roger and I had with some members of his staff. I don’t think it does any good to tell Fritz this, because I am sure he is sincere in what he says.
“Your letter has obviously done some good in reminding Fritz of our concern with the issue.” (Library of Congress, Harriman Papers, Forrestal, Michael V. The ellipsis is in the text of the letter.)
Special Assistant to the President Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. sent a memorandum to Forrestal on March 9 in which he reacted to Nolting’s letter and suggested that a new Ambassador should be sent to Vietnam:
“The letter from Nolting is one of the most dismal documents I have ever encountered. If Ed Gullion is leaving the Congo, how about sending him back to Saigon.” (Ibid.)
Forrestal sent a copy of Schlesinger’s memorandum to Harriman on March 11 and asked what Harriman thought of the Gullion suggestion. (Ibid.) Harriman’s response to this suggestion has not been found.