Office of the Historian

277. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand1

Washington, August 4, 1964—6:03 p.m.

171. In view further attacks today on US Destroyer Maddox President has decided air strike should be carried out at once against torpedo boat bases and a fuel installation in North Viet-Nam. You should be prepared on receipt further message repeat on receipt further message, to notify Thanom and call emergency SEATO meeting to announce action and reasons therefor.

Slug reply Nodis-Pierce Arrow.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 33–6 US–VIET N. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Trueheart, cleared with Ball, and initialed by William Bundy. Repeated to CINCPAC.↩