FOIA
LETTER TO HONORABLE RICHARD HELMS FROM THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
CIA-RDP80B01676R000400060017-6
Release Decision:
RIFPUB
Original Classification:
S
Document Page Count:
2
Document Creation Date:
December 14, 2016
Document Release Date:
April 11, 2003
Sequence Number:
17
Case Number:
Publication Date:
September 2, 1966
Content Type:
LETTER
File:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 CIA-RDP80B01676R000400060017-6.pdf | 88.53 KB |
Body:
Approved For Release 2003/05/ GSP80B01676ROOfK0006d
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON
2 SEP 1966
Honorable Richard Maims
Director, Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, 0. C.
Dick:
Reports have come to my attention that Communist and North Vietnamese
officials think that the United States' peace overtures are either
insincere or unpalatably cast. Furthermore, the reports Indicate that,
in these same eyes, the United States seriously underestimates the
North Vietnamese will to resist and their dedication to the "sacred
alms" of a "united Vietnam free from foreign Influences." There are
references In these reports to alleged inconsistencies between our
statements and our deeds, to a difficulty on their part In agreeing
to negotiations while bombing raids continue, and to US domestic
opinion (which Is cited sometimes as deterring negotiations because of
its warlike nature and at other times as making negotiations unnecessary
because of Its anti-war nature).
I would appreciate It if you could prepare for me an analysis of what
the attitudes of the North Vietnamese and of the VC are toward our
peace overtures, how they interpret our military and political actions,
and what approaches therefore should be, expected to be sterile and what
approaches should be expected to be potentially productive In our
attempt. to work out a settlement In Vietnam.
Sincerely,
B
ie hem C:ont Nrti - 5 582.
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