March 1–15: Policy Reassessment and the “A to Z” Review


125. Memorandum for the Record

Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC History of the March 31st Speech, Vol. 4, Tabs N–Z and AA–KK. Confidential. In an attached covering note transmitting the memorandum to the President, March 14, 7:50 p.m., Rostow wrote: “Here is how I summarized Dean Acheson’s proposal, after his exposition at lunch today.” The notation “ps” on the covering note indicates that the President saw the memorandum; the President also wrote: “Walt—Call me—L.”


126. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of the Air Force (Hoopes) to Secretary of Defense Clifford

Source: Washington National Records Center, Department of Defense, OSD Files: FRC 330 73 A 1250, VIET 381, 1968. Secret.


127. Memorandum From the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Nitze) to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Wheeler)

Source: Washington National Records Center, Department of Defense, OSD Files: FRC 330 73 A 1304, 1968 Secretary of Defense Files, VIET 370. Top Secret.


128. Information Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson

Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC History of the March 31st Speech, Vol. 7, Meeting Notes. Top Secret.


129. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Clifford to President Johnson

Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC History of the March 31st Speech, Vol. 7, Meeting Notes. Top Secret.


131. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State

Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 VIET. Top Secret; Nodis. Received at 7:36 p.m. In telegram CAP 80671 to the President, March 16, Rostow transmitted the text of this telegram with the following introductory paragraph: “Herewith Goldberg proposes we go for a bombing cessation and a negotiation promptly. In my judgment, the right time will be a few months from now—assuming Westy and the GVN weather the winter-spring offensive in tolerably good shape.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, 6 C, 1961–1968, Peace Initiatives: General International Initiatives (Retrospective Accounts)) The notation “ps” on Rostow’s telegram indicates that the President saw it. The President was at the Ranch March 16–18.