431. Editorial Note
The Executive Committee resumed its meetings at 11 a.m. on November 28, continuing consideration of the summary (Document 418), Taylor’s report (Document 426), and a new paper drafted by William Bundy, “Scenario for Immediate Action,” dated November 28. (Department of State, Bundy Files, Working Papers, Nov 1964, Vol. I; printed in Pentagon Papers: Gravel Edition, volume III, pages 676–677) Brief accounts of this meeting are in the National Defense University, Taylor Papers, T–272–69, and Bundy’s handwritten notes are in Department of State, Bundy Files, Master Papers, Late Nov 1964. Following the meeting, McGeorge Bundy transmitted to the Texas White House the summary, Taylor’s report, and a book of the draft papers on courses of action in South Vietnam. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Vietnam Country File, Courses of Action in SEA)
On November 29, the Executive Committee continued its discussion, and William Bundy drew up a memorandum which presented its conclusions in the form of a draft National Security Action Memorandum on Southeast Asia, a draft White House statement, and a draft [Page 965] statement for Taylor to make to the Government of South Vietnam. (Kennedy Library, Thomson Papers, Southeast Asia Vietnam, General 1964; printed in part in Pentagon Papers: Gravel Edition, volume III, pages 677–683) At 1:30 p.m. on November 30, the Executive Committee held its final review of the papers under consideration since November 3, which resulted in a draft position paper on Southeast Asia and a draft instruction from the President to Ambassador Taylor. Copies of these drafts are in Department of State, Bundy Files, Action Papers, both showing revisions made at the meeting with the President on December 1 (see Document 432). Bundy’s brief handwritten notes on the meeting on November 30 are in Department of State, Bundy Files, Master Papers, Late Nov 1964.