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

218. Telegram From the Ambassador in Vietnam (Lodge) to the Department of State¹

Saigon, June 18, 1964—10:28 a.m.

[document number not declassified] Literally eyes only to Secretary Rusk from Ambassador Lodge.

1. The following brand new and totally unexpected dilemma has just arisen:

2. I am reliably informed that my presence in the U.S. as a private citizen can make a great difference in deciding whether or not the leadership of one of our two major parties falls into hands which in foreign affairs would be imprudent and impulsive and unsatisfactory for other reasons in domestic affairs. I remember well your saying here how vital it is that both major parties nominate men who could be trusted with the atomic bomb.

3. I feel therefore that at this juncture the highest duty for me is to go home and take part in the important struggle now being waged for Gov. Scranton.

4. I say this in full realization of the importance of my duty in Viet-Nam and of all that is at stake here.

5. I should be in U.S. as soon as possible consistent with smooth transition here and obviously must be there as a private citizen.

6. Perhaps you can send Alexis Johnson here who could handle this job magnificently I am sure.

7. Realize how difficult this is for you and will, of course, always keep faith with you.

Note: Delivery requested at beginning of business day.²

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Vietnam Country File, Lodge Resignation and Taylor Appointment. Top Secret; No Distribution. [1 line of text not declassified] Received at 11:39 p.m., June 17.

2. In message [document number not declassified], June 18, Rusk expressed his regret at Lodge’s decision to leave, but stated that he understood the “personal considerations and decisions involved.” Rusk thought that the President would try to meet Lodge’s wishes as quickly as possible and asked for a letter of resignation to the President suitable for publication. (Ibid.)

   Lodge sent his letter of resignation to the President via Rusk in [document number not declassified], June 19. (Ibid.) Lodge’s letter and the President’s letter accepting the resignation are printed in Department of State Bulletin July 13, 1964, pp. 46–47.