1. Explain why your document highlights a critical juncture of the Vietnam War.
Our document shows that for the South Vietnamese, our sudden withdrawal would inevitably allow the Communists to repeat the massacres which followed their takeover in the North fifteen years before. For the United States, if we leave Vietnam, then this first defeat in our nation’s history would result in a collapse of confidence in American leadership not only in Asia but throughout the world. For us to withdraw from the vast amount of effort in Vietnam would mean a collapse not only of South Vietnam but Southeast Asia. A nation cannot remain great if it betrays its allies and lets down its friends. Our defeat and humiliation in South Vietnam without question would promote recklessness in the councils of those great powers who have not yet abandoned their goals of world conquest.
2. What were the main goals of U.S. policy in Vietnam at the time your document was written?
We shall furnish military and economic assistance when requested in accordance with our treaty commitments. But we shall look to the nation directly threatened to assume the primary responsibility of providing the manpower for its defense.
3. What were the main policy choices facing U.S. leaders at the time your document was written?
The main policy choice facing U.S. leaders was the Nixon Doctrine. This policy was a policy which not only will help end the war in Vietnam but which is an essential element of our program to prevent future Vietnamese people.
4. What policy choice was made regarding the issues considered in your document? How did the decision affect the course of the Vietnam War?
Our document shows that for the South Vietnamese, our sudden withdrawal would inevitably allow the Communists to repeat the massacres which followed their takeover in the North fifteen years before. For the United States, if we leave Vietnam, then this first defeat in our nation’s history would result in a collapse of confidence in American leadership not only in Asia but throughout the world. For us to withdraw from the vast amount of effort in Vietnam would mean a collapse not only of South Vietnam but Southeast Asia. A nation cannot remain great if it betrays its allies and lets down its friends. Our defeat and humiliation in South Vietnam without question would promote recklessness in the councils of those great powers who have not yet abandoned their goals of world conquest.
2. What were the main goals of U.S. policy in Vietnam at the time your document was written?
We shall furnish military and economic assistance when requested in accordance with our treaty commitments. But we shall look to the nation directly threatened to assume the primary responsibility of providing the manpower for its defense.
3. What were the main policy choices facing U.S. leaders at the time your document was written?
The main policy choice facing U.S. leaders was the Nixon Doctrine. This policy was a policy which not only will help end the war in Vietnam but which is an essential element of our program to prevent future Vietnamese people.
4. What policy choice was made regarding the issues considered in your document? How did the decision affect the course of the Vietnam War?
In the previous Johnson administration, we Americanized the war in Vietnam. In this administration, we are Vietnamizing the search for peace. Under the new orders, the primary mission of our troops is to enable the South Vietnamese forces to assume the full responsibility for the security of South Vietnam.The president and his administration have only two choices open to them if they ever want to end this war. The president can order an immediate precipitate withdrawal of all Americans from Vietnam without regard to the effects of that action. Or the United States can persist in our search for a just peace through a negotiated settlement, if possible, or through continued implementation of our plan for Vietnamization, if necessary.
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