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  3. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume IV, Vietnam, August–December 1963
  4. Document 5

5. Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between the Secretary of State and the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)1

Washington, August 28, 1963—5:16 p.m.

TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR BUNDY

B said the mtg at 6 is acquiring more importance because of a real possible split between State and DOD-does not think it will be the same without Sec because Harriman is so passionate and can’t speak for Dept as Sec can and Sec’s and Bob’s relation is helpful. Sec will be there. B thinks Bob and Taylor think more than the record indicates that decisions taken Sat were without adequate consultation between State and DOD. B read from a message.2 Pres likely to start 6 p.m. mtg by talking with Sec, McNamara, Taylor and B as notetaker to get a slightly common front on this. B said Hilsman has most of the stuff.

  1. Source: Department of State, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Conversations. Transcribed by Phyllis D. Bernau.↩
  2. Apparent reference to telegram JCS 3368-63, vol. III, p. 675.↩