Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXVII, Mainland Southeast Asia; Regional Affairs

237. Telegram From the White House to President Johnson in Texas¹

Washington, May 29, 1968.

CAP 81160. For Rostow for the President, from Katzenbach and Bundy.

1. We believe the President in his talk with Gorton tomorrow might do one or both of the following:

A. If General Westmoreland has brought new evidence or reports that it is about to arrive from MACV, tell Gorton that we are preparing another package and would like the Australians to submit it just as soon as possible.

B. It would ask Gorton to instruct his Ambassador in Cambodia to tell the Cambodians that he, Gorton, has just reviewed the military situation in the highlands, during his visit, that this review indicated that major attacks by the North Vietnamese were imminent, and that there was every evidence that the North Vietnamese forces might again act as they did in November and as the Australians understand Ambassador Bowlesʼ party briefed Cambodians in early January. This developing situation caused Gorton serious concern, and he felt obliged in friendship to report his impressions of it to the Cambodians.

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Cambodia, Miscellaneous Cables and Memos, 1/67–12/68. Secret. Received at the Johnson Ranch at 9 p.m. CST.