Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume III, Vietnam, June–December 1965

180. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) to President Johnson¹

Washington, October 22, 1965, 3:20 p.m.

1. Because it reports General Eisenhower’s view, I think you will want to see the attached memorandum from Andy Goodpaster.² In essence, Eisenhower is asking why we do not close off shipping to Hanoi. He suggests a declaration that a state of war exists and some undefined reinforcing naval action. But he seems to think the declaration itself might do the trick.

2. Goodpaster has promised Eisenhower additional information on this problem, and McNamara wants you to know that it is one of the issues which is being carefully reviewed as we consider where we go in Vietnam next year. Bob does not think it is a matter which needs urgent attention and decision at your level, and I agree with him.

McG. B.

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Name File, President Eisenhower. Top Secret. President Johnson wrote the following note on the source text: “See me on this. L”
2. Attached but not printed.