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Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-18A-4
Sound recording of a telephone conversation held on April 10, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and W. Averell Harriman. They discuss fighting in Laos involving the Pathet Lao and the forces of Kong Le and others. They also discuss whether the United States should discuss the matter with Soviet officials.Transcript included. This sound recording was originally recorded on Dictation Belt 18A, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. To hear all of the recordings on the Dictation Belt, see Digital Identifier: JFKPOF-TPH-18A, Title: Telephone recordings: Dictation Belt 18A.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-18A
Dictation Belt 18A contains eight sound recordings. Item 18A.1 is a sound recording of a brief fragment of a telephone conversation held on April 4, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Walter W. Heller, Chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. They talk about budgetary matters. The recording starts in mid-conversation. Item 18A.2 is a brief telephone exchange on April 4, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Ralph A. Dungan, Special Assistant to the President. They talk about a letter from Lucius Clay. Item 18A.3 is a telephone conversation between President John F. Kennedy and an unidentified man. The topic of discussion is unclear. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Machine noise follows the conversation. Item 18A.3A is a brief telephone exchange between Personal Secretary Evelyn Lincoln and a White House Operator. The operator notifies Lincoln of an incoming call from Robert B. Troutman. The recording ends abruptly. The telephone conversation with Troutman is not recorded. Item 18A.4 is a telephone conversation held on April 10, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and W. Averell Harriman. They discuss fighting in Laos involving the Pathet Lao and the forces of Kong Le and others. They also discuss whether the United States should discuss the matter with Soviet officials. Item 18A.5 is a brief fragment of a telephone conversation held on April 10, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy. They talk about a Laos statement and a list of raids. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 18A.6 is a telephone conversation held on May 6, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. They discuss Secretary Rusk’s trip to Europe, matters involving Yugoslavia, and arrangements for a meeting. Item 18A.7 is part of a telephone conversation held on May 7, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Representative Edith S. Green of Oregon. They discuss an education bill and a newspaper article that characterized their political relationship. The recording ends abruptly and continues on Dictation Belt 18B.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.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-12B-2
Sound recording of a telephone conversation held on March 8, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and W. Averell Harriman. President Kennedy asks for insight on the proposed merger of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company (“B&O”) and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company (“C&O”).Transcript included. This sound recording was originally recorded on Dictation Belt 12B, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. To hear all of the recordings on the Dictation Belt, see Digital Identifier: JFKPOF-TPH-12B, Title: Telephone recordings: Dictation Belt 12B.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-12B
Dictation Belt 12B contains two sound recordings from March 8, 1963. The recording of the conversation in item 12B.1 begins on Dictation Belt 12A.4. Item 12B.1 is part of a telephone conversation between President John F. Kennedy and New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner. They continue to discuss negotiations for a settlement of the New York newspapers strike. Item 12B.2 is a telephone conversation between President John F. Kennedy and W. Averell Harriman. President Kennedy asks for insight on the proposed merger of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company (“B&O”) and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company (“C&O”).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.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-097-001
Sound recording of three meetings held on July 10, 1963, concerning the ongoing labor situation with railroad workers. Included are meetings with White House staffers, with labor and management officials, and with Congressional leadership. Please note that this recording was opened in November 1985 as part of the Railroad Works Rules Dispute tape. Participants in the White House staffer meeting include President John F. Kennedy, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and Deputy Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Carl Kaysen. Participants in the labor and management meeting include President Kennedy, Secretary of Labor W. Willard Wirtz, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Labor-Management Relations James Reynolds, and the following labor and management officials: Joseph Judge, Charles Luna, Louis Corsi, Louis Wagner, Robert Perkins, H.E. Gilbert, Roy Davidson, Richard Murway, Neil Speirs, J.E. Wolfe, David Swit, John Gaherin, E.L. (Ernest) Hallman, C.A. MacRae, and Francis O'Neill. Participants in the Congressional leadership meeting include Speaker of the United States House of Representatives John McCormack (Representative from Massachusetts), Senator Mike Mansfield of Montana, Senator Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota, Senator Lister Hill of Alabama, Senator Wayne Morse of Oregon, Senator Pat McNamara of Michigan, Representative Carl Albert of Oklahoma, and Representative Adam C. Powell of New York. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 97, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 97 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-087-004
Sound recording of a meeting held on May 17, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Philips Talbot, Deputy Administrator for the Agency for International Development (AID) Frank Coffin, Special Representative and Advisor on African, Asian, and Latin American Affairs Chester Bowles, Assistant Secretary of Defense William Bundy, Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell L. Gilpatric, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and member of the National Security Council Robert W. Komer. President Kennedy again discusses what steps the United States can take to aid India against Chinese aggression without inflaming Pakistan and the rest of the region. The relations between the United States and the United Kingdom on this subject are also discussed as well as what should be said to Indian Minister of Economic and Defense Coordination T.T. Krishnamachari during his upcoming meeting with President Kennedy. The recording ends abruptly and the rest of the tape is blank. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 87, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 87 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-086-001
Sound recording of a National Security Council Meeting on India held on May 9, 1963. Identified participants in this meeting include: President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, 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, Assistant Secretary of State Phillips Talbot, Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell Gilpatric, Ambassador to India Chester Bowles, Acting Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) Frank Coffin, Assistant Secretary of Defense William Bundy, and Member of the National Security Council Robert Komer. President Kennedy discusses with his staff the sale of mobile air defense units to India and potential diplomatic consequences. There is also extensive conversation on the possibility of providing a defense commitment to India in the case of a Chinese attack on the sub-continent and the use of nuclear weapons in the defense of countries in Asia instead of the introduction of large numbers of US soldiers. General Maxwell Taylor is first to bring up the issue of nuclear weapons versus ground troops. President Kennedy speaks briefly, and then General Taylor’s point is affirmed strongly by Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Eight segments of the recording totaling 2 minutes and 43 seconds have been removed for reasons of national security. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 86, which contains additional sound recording(s) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 86 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-119-003
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on November 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Under Secretary of State W. Averell Harriman, and Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman. Assistant Secretary Hilsman provides a briefing on Vietnam covering whether or not United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge should return to the United States for a briefing, the restoration of constitutional government in Vietnam, and information on the deaths of President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem and Ngo Dinh Nhu. 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-119-002
Sound recording of a meeting held on November 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and Under Secretary of State W. Averell Harriman. They discuss the delivery of wheat on American ships to the Soviet Union, alternatives, and related discussions with American unions. Other topics of discussion include a review of the coup situation in Vietnam; Berlin, Germany; plans for a visit by President of France Charles DeGaulle; and the allocation of resources by the Soviet Union. Also Under Secretary Ball talks to Secretary of Labor W. Willard Wirtz on the telephone. 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-119-001
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on November 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Military Advisor to the President General Maxwell Taylor, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, and Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman. Topics include an assessment of the coup in Vietnam, the issue of recognition of the new regime, reports of deaths of President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem and Ngo Dinh Nhu, and a review of the developments leading to coup. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 119/A55, which contains additional sound recording(s) 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-118-004
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-115-001
Sound recording of a meeting on Indonesia and Malaysia held on October 9, 1963 between President John F. Kennedy, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman, Director of Covert Operations for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Richard Helms, Secretary of the Navy Paul Nitze, Senior Member of the National Security Council (NSC) Michael Forrestal, Hugh Tovar, Director of the Office of Southwest Pacific Affairs for the Department of State's Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs James Bell, and Director of the Far East Region for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Rear Admiral Luther C. Heinz. The President's schedule also lists "General Turnadge." After the Federation of Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, there were protests across Indonesia; many of the protesters felt as if the formation of Malaysia was another form of colonialism. President Kennedy and his staff discuss the political and military situation in Indonesia, the ramifications in the Philippines and in Malaysia, the United Nations, and ANZUS (The Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty) obligations. Six segments of the recording totaling 3 minutes and 13 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 115/A51, which contains additional sound recording(s) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 115/A51 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-114-A50c
Sound recording of two meetings. First is a meeting on Brazil held on October 7, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Edwin Martin, United States Ambassador to Brazil Lincoln Gordon, Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) David Bell, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Marshall Carter, Director of Covert Operations for the CIA Richard Helms, and Special Assistant to the President Ralph Dungan. They discuss the conditions in Brazil, President of Brazil Joao Goulart’s popularity, and the possible removal of President Goulart and his possible successors. There are also discussions on Brazilian military intervention, President Kennedy's possible trip to Brazil, and a Presidential statement regarding coups. Second is a meeting on Vietnam held on October 8, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Maxwell Taylor. They discuss a possible coup and the position of the United States on a possible coup and Vietnamese military leaders, press leaks, the use of Lucien Conein, a military display for Vietnamese Independence Day, appearances by Secretary McNamara and General Taylor before the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Congressional adjournment. At the end of the meeting, several Senators enter the room and talk among themselves briefly before the tape cuts off.
This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 114/A50, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding 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-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-A50a
Sound recording of a meeting held on October 4, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy; 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; Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) David Bell; Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Edwin Martin; United States Coordinator, Alliance for Progress, Agency for International Development Teodoro Moscoso; and United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic John Martin. Topics of discussion include the conditions for the recognition of the Dominican Republic, the coup in Honduras, the possibility of relations, opposition, and warnings of a coup. In addition there is discussion about the possibility of U.S. influence in the Dominican Republic and Honduras and the timing of U.S. recognition, economic and military aid, and Congressional support. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 114/A50, which contains additional sound recording(s) 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-106-006
Sound recording of a meeting held on August 19, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Under Secretary of State George Ball, and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman. They discuss a variety of aid issues: Greek shipping, aid to Laos, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), capital flight, aid to other countries, commodity credit program, U.S. foreign policy, budget controls, India, Latin America, and the Bokara Steel Mill. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 106, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 106 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-110-002
Sound recording of a meeting about Vietnam held on September 11, 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, 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, National Security Council (NSC) member Michael Forrestal, Specialist on Counterinsurgency for the JCS General Victor Krulak, Executive Secretary of the NSC Bromley Smith, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Robert Manning, and Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Seymour Janow. The subject matter discussed in this meeting is similar to that of the previous day's (September 10, 1963) meeting with President Kennedy on Vietnam. Participants rehash much of what was discussed at that meeting and debate the steps to take. Secretary McNamara comments that he disagrees with United States Ambassador to South Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge on a plan of action; Secretary Rusk and Director McCone agree with Secretary McNamara on this point. Two segments of the recording totaling 1 minute and 13 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 and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 110 in its entirety.
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-108-001
Sound recording of part of a meeting held on August 28, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, former United States Ambassador to Vietnam Frederick Nolting, 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, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Far Eastern Division William Colby, Deputy Director of the CIA General Marshall Carter, Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow, Deputy CIA Director for Plans 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 member Michael Forrestal, Specialist on Counterinsurgency for the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Victor Krulak, Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon, Executive Secretary of the National Security Council Bromley Smith, and later in the meeting, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. The recording of this meeting begins on Tape 107. President Kennedy and a wide range of State Department, Defense Department, CIA, and White House advisors continue to discuss the volatile situation in South Vietnam. Three segments of the recording totaling 54 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) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 108 in its entirety or the beginning of this recording on Tape 89.