The McNamara-Taylor report on Vietnam (1963)

In 1963, defence secretary Robert McNamara and head of the Joint Chiefs General Maxwell Taylor spent a week in South Vietnam. On October 2nd they submitted a brief report on Vietnam to president John F. Kennedy:

“1. There are serious political tensions in Saigon and throughout most of South Vietnam. The Diem-Nhu government is becoming increasingly unpopular. Viet Cong propaganda has exploited this issue.

2. Many military officers are hostile to the government.

3. Withhold certain aspects of financial aid to South Vietnam in a bid to pressurise Diem to institute meaningful reforms. More drastic action will be necessary in 2-4 months if these changes are not made.

4. At this time, no initiative should be taken to actively encourage a change in government. Our policy should be to identify and build contacts with an alternative leadership if and when it appears.

5. The security of South Vietnam remains vital to US security in the region.

6. There is no solid evidence of the possibility of a successful coup, although assassination of Diem and Nhu is always a possibility.”