4. Editorial Note
On March 19, 1964, President Johnson delivered a special message to the Congress on foreign aid in which he recommended funding proposals for fiscal year 1965. For text of his message, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1963–64, Book I, pages 393–398.
Comments on President Johnson’s draft message are in a February 27 memorandum from Walt Rostow to Bell (Department of State, S/PC Files: Lot 70 D 199, Assistance to Foreign Countries—1964), and a February 24 memorandum from Luther Hodges to the President. (Washington National Records Center, RG 40, Secretary of Commerce Files: FRC 69 A 6828, 1962–1964 Files, White House, January–February)
During a telephone conversation with McGeorge Bundy at 11:06 a.m. on March 19, the President learned that British economist Barbara Ward was in town. President Johnson told Buddy that he would like to meet with Ward the following afternoon if their schedules permitted. The President wished that Ward had written the March 19 message to Congress, which he wanted to be a good message. Bundy assured the President that the message was good. (Johnson Library, Recordings and Transcripts, Recording of a Telephone Conversation, Tape 6403.06, PNO 2)