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

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

Washington, December 27, 1965, 5:30 p.m.

SUBJECT

• Further Notes on Bombing the North

1. I had a meeting of second-level public relations people dealing with Viet Nam this afternoon, and they all said very strongly, that if the pause goes more than another day or so, it should go long enough to be a real answer to our critics. Otherwise, we would fall between two stools and get criticized by the military without making any money with the peacemakers. I argued with them, but I think the point has force.

2. Bill Moyers has reaffirmed to me this afternoon his own feeling that since we have gone these days, we should go on through New Year’s Day. He thinks we will be heavily criticized for a half-hearted effort if we resume now.

3. Most interestingly, General Taylor came to see me this afternoon to say that he now feels very strongly that since we have endured three days of pause, we might as well go on for long enough to take the starch out of the idea once and for all. He also undertook to write personally to Westie and to Admiral Sharp if you decide to continue the current suspension and to explain to them the great importance of this course of action from the point of view of proving to the American public that we have left no door to peace untried.² Taylor said that he does not think the military cost is great. He thinks the political reward of a solid pause is worth it at this stage.

4. I should report that I planned to be in New York tomorrow for a day of talks with my prospective employers.³ I can easily cancel this visit if you wish, and of course, I can be reached on the telephone through the White House Board at all times. Bob Komer will cover here and is fully briefed.

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, McGeorge Bundy, Vol. XVII. No classification marking. There is an indication on the source text that the President saw the memorandum.
2. See Document 252.
3. On December 4, McGeorge Bundy tendered his resignation and informed the President that he had been offered a position at the Ford Foundation. Bundy agreed to remain in his post until February 28, 1966. (Memorandum from Bundy to Johnson, Deceamber 4, with attached letter of resignation; Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, McGeorge Bundy, Vol. XVII)