8. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) to President Johnson1
I understand that you will be dining this evening with Sir Norman and Lady Brookes and Ambassador and Mrs. Waller of Australia. You wish to refer to two key communications that were exchanged in the last 24 hours.
As you know, a message was dispatched yesterday from you to Menzies which reviewed the current situation in Viet Nam, indicated the likely increase in U.S. armed forces there, stated our determination to continue our diplomatic efforts to obtain a peaceful settlement, and emphasized our intent to use “care and restraint” to insure that the war did not expand.2 The message also acknowledged Australiaʼs present aid to the GVN and asked that “most earnest consideration” be given to increasing such assistance. Finally, you stressed the importance of you and the Prime Minister keeping “in close touch” during the coming days, directly and through our respective diplomatic representatives.
Menziesʼ reply was immediate and sympathetic. I quote it in full: [Page 14]
“Thank you for your message about your intention to commit further substantial forces for South Vietnam. I appreciate your action in keeping us informed and, also, in recognising our own difficulties. You may be sure of Australiaʼs continuing support and readiness to assist in the defence of South Vietnam to the best of our capacity. We shall consider your message very carefully and with the will to do whatever more we can to assist when practicable. I shall make a statement here welcoming the additional steps you are taking.”
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Australia, Vol. I, 11/63–12/65. Top Secret.↩
- Telegram 55 to Canberra, July 26. (Ibid.)↩
- Bundy added the following handwritten postscript: “I also attach the circular we sent in your name on the basis of your Saturday [July 24] orders to me.” The circular was not attached and has not been identified.↩