V. The Second McNamara-Taylor Mission To Vietnam And Planning Discussions, May 8–26


176. Letter From the Ambassador in Vietnam (Lodge) to the Secretary of State

Source: Department of State, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192. Correspondence—L. Top Secret.


177. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Rowan) to the President

Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Vietnam Country File, Vol X. Secret.


178. Memorandum From Michael V. Forrestal of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)

Source: Kennedy Library, Thomson Papers, Southeast Asia-Vietnam, 1964 General, 3/64–5/64. Top Secret. A covering note from Forrestal to Bundy reads as follows: “Herewith the main thoughts I brought back. I’ve not sent this to anyone and will rely on your judgment as to who should see it.” Forrestal also sent Harriman a copy of this memorandum and appendix on June 1. McGeorge Bundy apparently sent this memorandum to the President under cover of a memorandum of May 27. Bundy wrote: “Here is an important memorandum from Mike Forrestal which may help you as you think about the basic problem in Southeast Asia.” Johnson Library, National Security File, Aides File, McGeorge Bundy—Memos to the President, Vol. 4) A signed copy of Forrestal’s memorandum, but not the appendix, which Forrestal sent to McNamara, Ball, McNaughton, William Bundy, and Sullivan is in Department of State, Bundy Files, Special Papers.


179. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) to the President

Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Aides File, McGeorge Bundy, Memos to the President, Vol. 4. Top Secret.


180. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam

Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Sullivan, cleared by William Bundy, and initialed by Rusk.