Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume III, Vietnam, January–August 1963

46. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam¹

Washington, February 27, 1963, 5:24 p.m.

828. Deptel 807² and Embtel 749.³ News accounts of American combat role continue. Recent stories quote informed American military sources in Viet-Nam as stating US personnel now authorized to “shoot first”,⁴ state that most combat missions are flown by Americans. We wish reiterate our concern over such stories and reasons for concern as stated Deptel 807. These news reports very damaging both here and abroad and we must do everything possible prevent them in future.

Our policy remains that American role Viet-Nam strictly limited to advisory, logistic, training functions. Any activities such as Farmgate which may be construed as American combat role are not to be discussed with newsmen. This policy set at highest level at time of initiation increased aid to Viet-Nam. It has not changed.

Request all official Americans be instructed above policy still in force and they expected observe it rigorously.

This message approved by White House.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 S VIET Secret. Drafted by Heavuer and cleared by Wood, Rice, Harriman, and Forrestal. DOD/ISA was informed about the cable. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.
2. Document 39.
3. See footnote 7, Document 30.
4. See footnote 2, Document 40.