34. Notes on Conversation Between President Johnson and Prime Minister Holyoake1
Notes on Conversation with Prime Minister Holyoake of New Zealand 9:30 a.m., Thursday, December 21, 1967, Canberra, Australia
- 1.
- Holyoake suggested (I think) that he would put a New Zealand frigate to work with our naval forces in Viet-nam.2
- 2.
- His major concern was whether the President intended to widen the war. Specifically, he asked about Haiphong. The President answered that he had no intention to mine Haiphong. He wished to keep the war from getting wider. Equally, he was against our pulling out. The only option was to keep pressure on roughly within recent limits.
With respect to Cambodia, President said this was a serious problem; was hopeful ICC could do more if helicopters were accepted.
Holyoake expressed himself strongly against hot pursuit, saying there was problem as to how far you go. If you penetrate shallowly, they set up camps further back. You are led on and on.
There was a little byplay about New Zealand exports, with Holyoake pointing out that U.S. exports are only 3% of GNP whereas New Zealandʼs were 25% of GNP. But Holyoake did not press the matter hard.
- Source: Department of State, S/S-Conference Files: Lot 68 D 453, CF 253. No classification marking. The notes were taken by Rostow.↩
- When Holyoakeʼs Cabinet learned of the “promise of a frigate” it took exception. Holyoake explained that he “did not ʼpromiseʼ a frigate, but only mentioned it as the kind of assistance that New Zealand might be able to give, in lieu of more troops.” Rostow informed Johnson that he suspected that Holyoake “got out ahead of his Cabinet colleagues” and was now playing the “Cabinet game of ʼfirst among equals.ʼ” Rostow stated “I think we can count on the frigate after Holyoake has taken care of his housekeeping.” (Telegram CAP 671217 from Rostow to Johnson, December 28; Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, 5 D (3) Allies: Troop Commitments; Other Aid)↩