Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume I, Vietnam, 1964

205. Memorandum by the President¹

Washington, June 6, 1964.

MEMORANDUM FOR

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Director of Central Intelligence
• The Director, AID
• The Director. USIA

It has come to my attention that in a number of instances departments and agencies have had difficulty in getting needed consent from individuals who are recommended for service in South Vietnam.²

This country has no more important job right now than to get the very best men in every field for more effective service to our embattled friends in South Vietnam. If in any case direct word from me can be helpful, I expect to be called on. I would want no U.S. officer to be in doubt of the value of service in South Vietnam and of the importance which I personally attach to it.

Lyndon B. Johnson

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Vietnam Country File, Vol. XI, Memos. No classification marking.
2. In an earlier draft of this memorandum a sentence at the end of this paragraph reads as follows: “I am informed that in at least one case a nominated individual resigned rather than accept such an appointment.”