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Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-08B
Dictation Belt 8B contains five sound recordings. The recording of the conversation in item 8B.1 begins on Dictation Belt 8A.4. Item 8B.1 is a telephone conversation held on March 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. They continue to discuss a press item about a proposed nuclear naval force and Soviet surveillance of naval vessels. Item 8B.2 is a telephone conversation held on March 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy. They discuss reconnaissance flights over Cuba and statements made by Senator Barry M. Goldwater of Arizona. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 8B.3 is a sound recording of a telephone conversation held on March 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. They discuss reconnaissance flights over Cuba and surveillance of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) naval fleet and merchant ships. Item 8B.4 is a telephone conversation held on March 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. They discuss the Stennis Committee’s review of the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Item 8B.5 is a telephone conversation held on March 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. They discuss the Stennis Committee’s review of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, results of a recent Gallup Poll, and problems for Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York. The recording of the end of the conversation repeats on Dictation Belt 9A.Transcript included. Each item listed above is also available individually as an excerpt derived from this full-length digitized recording. See Related Records for more information.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-331-023
This folder contains a copy of National Security Action Memoranda number 93 (NSAM 93) titled, “Berlin Build-Up,” to Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara from McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Also included in this folder is a memorandum to President Kennedy from Secretary McNamara titled, “Status of Berlin Build-up and Planning.”
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-328-003
This folder contains a copy of National Security Action Memoranda number two (NSAM 2) titled, “Development of Counter-Guerrilla Forces,” to the Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara from McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and a response by McNamara.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-119-005
Sound recording of a meeting about Berlin, Germany, held on November 5, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union Llewellyn Thompson, and President Kennedy’s Personal Representative in Berlin General Lucius Clay. Topics of discussion include the stopping of a United States convoy in Berlin, a review of the situation, speculation on its significance, alternative courses of action, press guidance, the Soviet Union’s November celebration, diplomatic representation, the use of small force, Soviet ship movements, and possible Allied action. They also discuss the Ambassadorial Group, Soviet press coverage, and a possible conversation with the Canadian foreign minister. There is further discussion of the possible situation that may arise in Berlin and the possible U.S. response and contingency plans. One segment of the recording totaling 1 minute has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 119/A55, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 119/A55 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-118-005
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on November 1, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Chief of the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Far East Division William Colby, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Military Advisor to the President General Maxwell Taylor, and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Topics include a report on the military coup in Vietnam, the constitutional government in Vietnam, a press conference and statement, United States troop movements, incoming cables, and briefing Senator Richard Russell (Georgia). Additional topics include Morocco and Algeria, Cuba, administrative procedures, a vote on United Nations (UN) relief in the Caribbean, and U-2 aircraft. After the meeting, Director of the CIA John McCone makes a telephone call. President Kennedy and Director McCone also discuss the Dominican Republic with topics covering the country's election schedule, political parties, the counter-coup of a few days before, and instructions for U.S. staff. Three segments of the recording totaling 2 minutes and 34 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 118/A54, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 118/A54 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-118-004
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on October 30, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman. They discuss the drafting of a message to United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge, communications, the chain of command, an assessment of the present situation, and United States staffing in Vietnam. Four segments of the recording totaling 12 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 118/A54, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 118/A54 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-118-003
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on October 29, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Chief of the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Far East Division William Colby, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Military Advisor to the President General Maxwell Taylor, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara; Director of the CIA John McCone, and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. They discuss an intelligence report on Vietnam, the orientation of various Vietnamese forces, a 1960 coup attempt, messages to United States staff in Vietnam, whether or not United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge should return to the United States, the chain of command, and convoy procedures for Berlin, Germany. Seven segments of the recording totaling 27 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 118/A54, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 118/A54 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-117-004
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on October 25, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Topics include an intelligence report on Vietnam, United States Embassy staffing in South Vietnam, planning, and instructions for United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge. Seven segments of the recording totaling 1 minute and 35 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 117/A53, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 117/A53 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-116-001
Sound recording of three meetings. First is a meeting held on October 11, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, President Kennedy’s Berlin Representative General Lucius Clay, Press Secretary Pierre Salinger, Military Aide to the President General Chester Clifton, Secretary of the Navy Paul Nitze, Special Military Assistant to the President General Maxwell Taylor, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant for Europe and Canada David Klein, and Executive Secretary of the NSC Bromley Smith. President Kennedy and his staff review in detail recent issues that Allied troops have faced regarding convoy holdups by the Soviet Union in Berlin, Germany. They discuss changes to the dismount instructions for Berlin convoys and also discuss having talks with Allies concerning these changes. One segment of this recording totaling 29 seconds has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526.Second is an October 16, 1963, meeting on the Dominican Republic. This meeting is closed in full under NLK-10-154a and NLK-01-393-6-4-7: one segment of the recording totaling 38 minutes and 48 seconds has been removed.
Third is a meeting on Berlin, Germany, held on October 21, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Ambassador-at-Large Llewellyn Thompson, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs William Tyler, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Richard Davis; John Ausland from the Department of State; Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of the Navy Paul Nitze, Special Military Assistant to the President General Maxwell Taylor, President Kennedy’s Berlin Representative General Lucius Clay, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and the following meeting participants listed in the President's schedule: Mr. Janney, Mr. Whitman, Colonel William Smith, and Mr. Diklein. This meeting is similar to a meeting that was held on October 11, 1963. They review recent problems with the Soviets on convoy procedures. They debate further the sorts of discussions that need to be held with officials of the Soviet Union concerning these ongoing problems. One segment of the recording totaling 26 seconds has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526.
This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 116/A52, which contains additional sound recording(s) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 116/A52 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-114-A50b
Sound recording of a meeting on Vietnam held on October 5, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Secretary of Treasury C. Douglas Dillon, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) David Bell, and Senior Member of the National Security Council (NSC) Michael Forrestal. They discuss the possible impact on the government of South Vietnam if the United States cuts off commodities and also discuss the Vietnamese oppression of Buddhists. They also discuss General Paul D. Harkins's meeting with President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem and Colonel Le Quang Tung, the role of United States Ambassador to Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge, conditions needed for the resumption of aid, General Harkins’s role regarding the military, proposed testimony before a Congressional committee, and the timing of the reduction of troops and advisors. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 114/A50, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 114/A50 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-114-A49d
Sound recording of a National Security Council (NSC) meeting held on October 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. They discuss the mission to Vietnam for Secretary McNamara and General Taylor, and topics include the approval of a press release and a draft policy statement. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 114/A49, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 114/A49 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-114-A49c
Sound recording of two meetings held on October 2, 1963. First is a brief discussion on Malaysia between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor. Topics of discussion include the U.S./ANZUS (The Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty) trade obligations and also Australian actions and interpretation of the ANZUS Treaty.Second is a meeting on Vietnam held in the morning between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) David Bell, and CIA Deputy Director for Intelligence Ray S. Cline. Discussion topics include news coverage of Viet Cong and American casualties, possible troop reduction, North Vietnamese supply difficulties, Madame Nhu (Tran Le Xuan), and news coverage of a dispute between United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge and the CIA. In addition there are further discussions on the relationship between Ambassador Lodge and CIA station chief in Saigon John H. Richardson, reporting on Richardson, Ambassador Lodge's position regarding South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, and Congressional briefings. During the meeting, President Kennedy has telephone conversations about labor contract talks, a "Time" magazine article, and an upcoming trip. Four segments of the recording totaling 39 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. Three segments of the recording totaling 2 minutes and 57 seconds has been removed in accordance with the donor's deed of gift.
This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 114/A49, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 114/A49 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-114-A49a
Sound recording of part of a meeting held on October 1, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman. The recording of this meeting begins on Tape 113. President John F. Kennedy met with a larger group and continues the discussion of the benefits and pitfalls of wheat sales to the Soviet Union with a smaller group. This portion begins with Vice President Johnson discussing the wheat sales to the Soviet Union, congressional support, amount of the sale, and the need to gain public support. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 114/A49, which contains additional sound recording(s) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 114/A49 in its entirety or the beginning of this recording on Tape 113.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-112-003
Sound recording of three meetings. The first is a Cabinet meeting held on September 23, 1963, during which members of several departments brief President John F. Kennedy and each other on topics of particular interest, including private wheat sales to the Soviet Union and relevant political issues, Secretary McNamara and General Taylor's mission to South Vietnam, federal employment, and the economic outlook heading into 1964. Meeting participants include President Kennedy; Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson; Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara; Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon; Acting Secretary of State George Ball; Herbert Miller for the Attorney General; Acting Postmaster General Sidney Bishop; Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall; Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman; Secretary of Commerce Luther Hodges; Secretary of Labor W. Willard Wirtz; Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Anthony Celebrezze; Director of the Bureau of the Budget Kermit Gordon; Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Dr. Jerome B. Wiesner; Special Assistant to the President Timothy J. ("Ted") Reardon; Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy; and Special Counsel to the President Ted Sorensen.Second is a brief meeting on civil rights held on September 23, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division Burke Marshall. One segment of this recording totaling 16 seconds has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526.
Third is part of a meeting held on September 23, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and several city leaders from Birmingham, Alabama, including Dr. Landon Miller, W.C. Hamilton, Caldwell Marks, Frank Newton, and Don Hawkins. They discuss civil rights issues in Birmingham. The recording of this meeting ends abruptly and continues on Tape 113. Please note that this meeting was previously made available for review in 1984.
This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 112, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 112 in its entirety or the remainder of recording of the third meeting on Tape 113.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-112-002
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on September 23, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Acting Secretary of State George Ball, and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy. President Kennedy speaks with Secretary McNamara and General Taylor prior to their fact-finding mission to South Vietnam. Topics of discussion include whom Secretary McNamara and General Taylor should meet and what steps they should take to help the military win the war. At the end of the meeting there are also brief discussions about Indonesia, funding for the Apollo space mission, and the multilateral force (MLF). Two segments of this recording totaling 2 minutes and 47 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 112, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 112 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-111-005
Sound recording of a short (16-minute) meeting about Vietnam held on September 19, 1963. Participants include President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. This is seemingly a continuation of the previous day's meeting on Vietnam with more discussion of the planned mission of General Taylor and Secretary McNamara to Vietnam. Details discussed include the date of departure, an announcement of the mission, draft instructions for the mission, and the approach Secretary McNamara should take with President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem. Also mentioned is the difference between the views of United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge and General Paul D. Harkins. One segment of the recording totaling 9 seconds has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 111, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 111 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-111-003
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on September 17, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. The discussion centers around a proposed trip of General Taylor and Secretary McNamara to Vietnam. President Kennedy requested this trip as a way to get additional viewpoints on the current situation, both political and military, in Vietnam. Much of the discussion centers around how United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge might react to the proposed trip and how to phrase a letter to Ambassador Lodge. There is also further discussion on South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem and Ngo Dinh Nhu and what course of action the United States should take to put pressure on them, particularly on President Diem. Eight segments of the recording totaling 6 minutes and 51 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 111, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 111 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-111-001
Sound recording of part of a National Security Council (NSC) meeting held on September 12, 1963. The recording of this meeting begins on Tape 110. Participants include President John F. Kennedy, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Glenn Seaborg, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness Edward McDermott, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Special Counsel to the President Theodore Sorensen, Military Aide to the President Major General Chester Clifton, and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC) Bromley Smith. They discuss the Armed Services Committee and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and their thoughts on nuclear superiority, including what nuclear superiority means with regard to weaponry and strategy. One segment of the recording totaling 1 minute and 14 seconds has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 111, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 111 in its entirety or the beginning of this recording on Tape 110.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-110-004
Sound recording of part of a National Security Council meeting meeting held on September 12, 1963. Participants include President John F. Kennedy, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Glenn Seaborg, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor, Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness Edward McDermott, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Special Counsel to the President Theodore Sorensen, Military Aide to the President Major General Chester Clifton, and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC) Bromley Smith. The first portion of this NSC meeting concerns a recent Air Force Association statement on nuclear superiority and what that means in regards to weaponry and strategy. Only about 7 and a half minutes of the meeting are recorded on this tape. The recording ends abruptly and continues on Tape 111. Four segments of the recording totaling 3 minutes and 46 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 110, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding one. See Related Records to access Tape 110 in its entirety or the remainder of this recording on Tape 111.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-109-004
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on September 10, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy; former United States Ambassador to Vietnam Frederick Nolting; Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell D. Taylor; Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone; Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman; Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell Gilpatric; Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow; Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman; Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy; National Security Council (NSC) member Michael Forrestal; Specialist on Counterinsurgency for the JCS General Victor Krulak; Executive Secretary of the NSC Bromley Smith; Foreign Service Officer Joseph Mendenhall; Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman; Military Aide to the President General Chester Clifton; Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy; USIA Official-Public Affairs Officer at the United States Embassy in Saigon, South Vietnam, John Mecklin; Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) David Bell; and Assistant Director for Rural Affairs, Operations Mission in Vietnam Rufus Phillips. This meeting is essentially the platform through which General Krulak and Foreign Service Officer Mendenhall report to President John F. Kennedy on their fact-finding mission to South Vietnam in September 1963. General Krulak and Mendenhall's four-day trip was intended to gain an overview of the military and civilian views of the country. General Krulak’s view, taken from his visits with military leaders, is generally optimistic on the progress of the war. Mendenhall presents the opposite view, one of widespread military and social discontent. After the two men present their views, President Kennedy quips, “You both went to the same country?” In this rather long and involved meeting, they delve into divergent views and possible steps to take. Responding to a question from former Ambassador Frederick Nolting, State Department official Rufus Phillips comments, “This was not a military war, but a political war.” Four segments of the recording totaling 3 minutes and 46 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 109, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 109 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-108-004
Sound recording of a meeting held on September 3, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, former United States Ambassador to Vietnam Frederick Nolting, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) General Marshall Carter, Director of the CIA John McCone, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Maxwell Taylor, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell Gilpatric, Specialist on Counterinsurgency for the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Victor Krulak, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman, Director of the CIA's Far Eastern Division William Colby, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Military Aide to the President General Chester Clifton, National Security Council member Michael Forrestal, and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council Bromley Smith. This meeting is the continued discussion between President Kennedy and a wide range of Department of State, Department of Defense, CIA, and White House advisors on the volatile situation in South Vietnam. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 108, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 108 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-108-003
Sound recording of a meeting held on August 29, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, former United States Ambassador to Vietnam Frederick Nolting, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) General Marshall Carter, Director of the United States Information (USIA) Edward R. Murrow, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell Gilpatric, Specialist on Counterinsurgency for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Victor Krulak, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman, Deputy Director of the CIA for Plans Richard Helms, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Military Aide to the President General Chester Clifton, National Security Council member Michael Forrestal, Executive Secretary of the National Security Council Bromley Smith. This meeting is a discussion between President Kennedy and a wide range of Department of State, Department of Defense, CIA, and White House advisors on the volatile situation in South Vietnam. Three segments of the recording totaling 1 minute and 44 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 108, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 108 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-107-005
Sound recording of a meeting held on August 27, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, former United States Ambassador to Vietnam Frederick Nolting, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Maxwell Taylor, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell Gilpatric, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) General Marshall Carter, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow, Deputy CIA Director for Plans Richard Helms, Director of the CIA's Far Eastern Division William Colby, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, member of the National Security Council (NSC) Michael Forrestal, Specialist on Counterinsurgency for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Victor Krulak, and Executive Secretary of the NSC Bromley Smith. This meeting on Vietnam is a follow-up to the meeting from the day before. President Kennedy asked Frederick Nolting, the recently replaced Ambassador to Vietnam, to attend this meeting in order to discuss his views on the Vietnam situation. One segment of the recording totaling 8 seconds has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 107, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 107 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-107-004
Sound recording of a meeting held on August 26, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Maxwell Taylor, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell Gilpatric, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Marshall Carter, Director of the CIA's Office of Special Operations (OSO) Richard Helms, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, National Security Council (NSC) member Michael Forrestal, and Specialist on Counterinsurgency for the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Victor Krulak. This meeting on Vietnam takes place the Monday following the now infamous Saturday telegram concerning a possible coup in Vietnam. The meeting is contentious at times between the Department of State and the Department of Defense/White House staff on what steps should be taken in Vietnam. Near the end of the meeting, President Kennedy changes the topic to foreign aid cuts requested by Congress and what can be done to sway opinions in the opposite direction. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 107, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 107 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-103-004
Sound recording of a meeting held on August 5, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Under Secretary of State George Ball, and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy (who joins later in the meeting). This long meeting covers a variety of issues concerning the Federal Republic of Germany. Secretary McNamara just returned from a meeting with German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and relays the specifics to President Kennedy. The German reservations about the treaty banning atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, later known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) or the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT), criticisms of the State Department by Chancellor Adenauer, the effect of German abstention on the U.S. Senate debate on the Treaty, and the German political climate are discussed in detail. In addition, during the latter half of the meeting, President Kennedy discusses the upcoming U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings on the Treaty, who should testify in front of the Committee, who the White House would like to testify to offset negative testimony from such witnesses as Teller and General Curtis LeMay. There is also a brief discussion that is difficult to hear concerning a Northeast Airline issue and the Civil Aeronautics Board. Six segments of the recording totaling 7 minutes and 48 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 103, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 103 in its entirety.