7. Editorial Note
According to Secretary Rusk’s Appointment Book, he met with Under Secretary Ball and Secretary McNamara at about 5:30 p.m. on January 5. They were joined by Special Assistant McGeorge Bundy at 5:46, and the meeting ended at approximately 7:20. (Johnson Library, Rusk Appointment Books) No record of the discussion at the meeting has been found. Prior to the meeting, at 1:05 p.m. that afternoon, McGeorge Bundy called Rusk. A memorandum of part of their conversation reads as follows:
“Re Viet Nam meeting, B wondered whether we were ready to talk to the President at 5 tomorrow; McNamara wanted to have a discussion with just Sec and B first. It was agreed they would meet at 5:30 today, following the larger 5 pm meeting. Sec will arrange with McNamara and have Ball there too.” (Department of State, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls)
For a record of the larger meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. on January 5, see Document 6. Regarding the January 6 meeting at 5 p.m. with the President, see Document 17.