Office of the Historian

160. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the Secretary of State and the Director of the Bureau of the Budget (Bell)1

Washington, October 12, 1961, 2:57 p.m.

The Sec said Viet-Nam can be critical and we would like to throw in resources rather than people if we can. Can we in the Depts involved if the Pres directs it be done put the costs on it on a chit and go to Congress in early January for the necessary special action? B said no problem at all with respect to Defense. They have special authority for military aid. CIA no problem. Contingency fund exists for State and economic aid so that should mean this is all right. If the Sec wants a more precise answer B should put Hansen2 in touch with whoever is working on it and it should be worked out before they go too far down the road.

  1. Source: Department of State, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls. Transcribed by Phyllis D. Bernau of the Office of the Secretary.↩
  2. Assistant Director of the Bureau of the Budget, Kenneth R. Hansen.↩