Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume IV, Vietnam, August–December 1963

145. Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Harriman) and Michael V. Forrestal of the National Security Council Staff¹

Washington, September 23, 1963.

Forrestal asked if there were any last minute instructions. Harriman said to reserve State’s position. Say they can’t speak for State.

Harriman mentioned that he listened to CBS this morning and got the flavor of the lady who is coming here.² He said he was worried. He said she said she was a true friend because she was telling us where we made our mistakes.

Harriman said it was important that no one official see her.

Harriman said he thought he would talk to one or two people about this. He said he would talk to Al Friendly.³

1. Source: Library of Congress, Harriman Papers, Telephone Conversations. Transcribed by Dolores Perruso.
2. Madame Nhu.
3. Harriman’s conversation with Friendly of CBS is not printed. (Memorandum of telephone conversation, September 23; Library of Congress, Harriman Papers, Telephone Conversations)