Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume II, Vietnam, January–June 1965

149. Memorandum for the Record¹

Washington, February 20, 1965.

In the NSC meeting on February 18, 1965,² the President gave approval to the line of policy outlined in London 5147 to Ambassador Bruce dated February 16,³ with the following exceptions:

1. The President made no decision with respect to any call for a meeting of the UN Security Council or other discussion in the Security Council.

2. The President made no decision with respect to the means or frequency of reports on U.S. military action.

3. The President made no decision within the meeting with respect to the timing of the next military action.

A copy of telegram 5147 to London is attached as a document of reference. The President read from the document, with the exceptions noted, in presenting this matter to the Council.

McGeorge Bundy

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, Vietnam Policy File—Cables. Top Secret.
2. See Document 140.
3. Document 131.