PRIVATE MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT - 5 OCTOBER FOLLOWING NSC MEETING RE SOUTH VIET NAM

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06846355
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: July 11, 2023
• Document Release Date: September 9, 2022
• Case Number: F-2015-01188
• Publication Date: October 6, 1963

Approved for Release: 2022/07/20 C06846355
I 5 October 1963
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Private Meeting with The President - 5 October
following NSC Meeting re South Viet Nam
Following the meeting I had an intimate discussion with the President
and told him:
(1) We had reason to believe from Lodge's performance at the
United Nations in the Eisenhower Administration that he was inclined to make
policy rather than follow instructions; to be reckless in his criticism of
Washington in his discussions with representatives of other foreign countries.
Therefore I felt that it would serve the President's interests best to have a
station in Saigon operating under the general policy guidance of the Ambassador
but independent of the Ambassador with regard to methods, contacts, etc.
Moreover, ex_perience with Lodge at the United Nations indicated an amazing
desire for -wzg.eness and closeness to the press and this was continuing in Saigon
and because of this and Lodge's complete lack of consciousness of security,
I was led to advise strongly against any form of covert planning or action in
which Lodge would be witting of details.
(2) I then explained the background of the Mechlin situation and
his relationships with Philby and the fact that we knew that Mrs. Philby came
to the United States for the purpose of contacting Mechlin. I said we had
deep concern but not sufficient evidence to make a final judgment, and went on
to say that the attack on CIA in Saigon was so harsh and so persistent that it
might very well be directed by the KGB; furthermore I was very disturbed by
the unexplained Voice of America broadcast of August 26th or 27th and in my
mind felt that this also might have been part of a directed operation to
embarrass the United States effort in South Viet Nam.
(3) I then pointed out the fact that Rufus Phillips, second man in the
AID mission, had called a press conference prior to leaving Saigon on TDY and
this was just one more bit of evidence of the interrelationship of the Embassy
and the press in Saigon, and that I urged the President to send a personal
message to Lodge to put a stop forthwith to these relationships and press
contacts,
JAM/rnfb
Approved for Release: 2022/07/20 C06846355