Overview

The editors developed the following thematic areas of focus for research and the selection of documents for inclusion in this volume:

1) formulation of policy in Washington by the President and his advisers, the Cabinet, and other responsible officials, with particular emphasis on decisions concerning the air and the ground wars, the pacification program, peace negotiations, and relations with the Government of South Vietnam;

2) the advisory process, including recommendations from key advisers in Washington, intelligence assessments of the situation in Vietnam, and reporting and advice from U.S. officials in Saigon;

3) diplomatic efforts to initiate peace negotiations and other key diplomatic contacts;

4) efforts to make contact with officials of the National Liberation Front;

5) military planning and strategy, including pacification;

6) Executive-Congressional relationships in Washington and opposition to the Johnson administration's conduct of the war;

7) the relationship between the U.S. Government and the South Vietnamese Government, including meetings of political and military leaders and the issues of political instability and constitutional government in South Vietnam;

8) the implementation in South Vietnam of major foreign policy decisions of the President and ancillary policy actions directed by the Secretary of State.