Flight of Fate
- Thread starter RogueBeaver
- Start date
Expect an update for FoF and CC tonight. The rest will have to wait for another two weeks.
Here's what you've all been waiting for. And yes, there's a Kliffhanger as usual. 
“Nick, I want you and Mr. Califano to prepare a new Indian Act for me. This is long overdue: there are too many lawyers billing the tribes without satisfactory resolutions.” “I want you to consult the people on the ground, not the IAB- they have their own agenda, which is not mine.” “Yes Mr. President.”
President Kennedy to Attorney General Katzenbach, Apr. 4
“I’m now over Italy, enroute to the M.E., stopping in Istanbul, Jerusalem, Tehran, Amman, before returning home. This will be an interesting tour, and I do hope to get some well-deserved vacationing in while we’re here. I definitely want to experience the Dead Sea and see the Hagia Sophia- absolutely magnificent architecture.”
RFK Diaries, Apr. 15
President Kennedy on Air Force over Italy, Apr. 15
“Mr. President, I welcome you on behalf of the Turkish nation and wish you the utmost success in your endeavors.”
Turkish Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel at ramp ceremony
“There have been rumors throughout the Administration of a possible Turkish coup. Told the Agency to deal with that appropriately. Dead Sea was absolutely magnificent- could’ve stayed there for hours.”
RFK Diaries, 19/03/69
“Spoke to Max Taylor about Peace Tiger I, seems to think that we can get it through Congress before the summer recess. Ditto for the new Indian Act. An interesting long-term project I want to work on is tort reform, though it will not be pretty, and I’ll have to go back to being ruthless again. So be it.”
RFK Diaries, 11/04/69
CONGRESS PASSES PEACE TIGER I 357-78, 84-16
INDIAN ACT INTRODUCED, DEBATE EXPECTED FOR TWO WEEKS
“The pace of Presidential lawmaking has hardly changed from the Johnson years. President Kennedy has sent a package to Congress which includes more funding for South Vietnam, keeping in line with the President’s campaign promise for a reduced footprint in that country. Majority Leader Mansfield and Speaker McCormack have announced their support for the President’s proposals, as have the Republican leaders. The real test will come from liberal Democrats…”
“I do not recall the President mentioning this during the campaign.”
- Sen. George McGovern (D-SD)
“Congress is not a mere rubber stamp for the President’s proposals, but all the others seem to think so.”
- Sen. Eugene McCarthy (D-MN)
“We are firmly behind President Kennedy’s Vietnam commitment.”
- Sens. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) and Richard Russell (D-GA)
“First state visit is going to be Wilson, then Trudeau. Somehow I think removing him from the blacklist was a mistake, but you play the cards you’re dealt. Anyways, don’t want to lose skiing privileges at Tremblant.”
RFK Diaries, 30/06/69
“I don’t see too much going during the summer recess, but the tax increase will have to be introduced now, so as not to damage our chances in the November off-years or in ’70. Not that I’m overly worried about that- the GOP has no one post-Nixon. That is, if Nixon was ever a solution. Have to make some phone calls to, Gandhi, Marcos and Verwoerd anyways.”
RFK Diaries, 07/07/69
W.H. TAPES 07/07/69
President Kennedy talking to President Marcos, July 7
KENNEDY: Patch me in with Mrs. Gandhi.
NOVELLO: Sir, she’s not in her office.
KENNEDY: Patch me in with Marcos.
NOVELLO: Yes, Mr. President.
(TRANSFER)
MARCOS: Good morning Mr. President, or should I say good evening?
KENNEDY: Around 2230 over there, right?
MARCOS: Correct, but what do you wish to discuss?
KENNEDY: Just curious in regards to reports I’ve received of conflicting ideas: massive poverty reduction efforts and election violence.
MARCOS: Who said these are conflicting ideas, and the violence is the responsibility of criminal elements which we are attempting to eradicate by force. I might add that both have been quite successful.
KENNEDY: I beg your pardon?
MARCOS: Violence, particularly when political feelings run high in this country, is somewhat inevitable. Now for poverty, we have been doing more on this front than any previous administration- as are you.
KENNEDY: We haven’t gotten any legislation through on that yet…
MARCOS: Let me tell you something: we SEATO leaders are worried over Vietnam. None of us want an American withdrawal, because among other things, that indicates to our electorate that you cannot be trusted to stay in for the long haul.
KENNEDY: What I’m trying to do is organize a phased withdrawal and let the Vietnamese handle this. I realize that there will be discord, but this is what I’ve pledged to do and I’m going to do it.
MARCOS: During the campaign, you were, and still are, courageous in explaining the facts to the electorate. That’s what we want to see.
KENNEDY: Thank you, I look forward to meeting with you in August.
MARCOS: Goodbye Mr. President.
END OF RECORDING
“Marcos, besides the utter nerve, reminds me of Dad, or even me. All give and no take.”
RFK Diaries, 07/07/69
“We had another discussion of the Vietnam situation today. Decided to withdraw 40,000 by September. All the equipment (A4s, A7s, Herks, Pattons, ECM, refueling) should be there around that time, but before I do so there’s the meeting with Trudeau to worry about.”
RFK Diaries, 29/07/69
“Let me be perfectly clear: the meeting was not what anyone hoped. Then again, you’re assuming there was hope.”
Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. A.E. Ritchie
“It was doubtful that Kennedy would take kindly to a man he knew to be a draft-dodging dilettante, despite their shared commitment to physical fitness.”
Black, 667
“I like Canada and Canadians, but not the current P.M. Very much reminiscent of Gene McCarthy: same highbrow loquaciousness and intellectual arrogance, but unlike Gene, a de facto socialist. Yet they give him adulation like the kind I received last year. Mental note: wish for Tory victory in 1972.”
RFK Diaries, 15/08/69
“I met with Wilson yesterday about Vietnam. He said that sending troops is not an option, mostly because of his party’s left wing. This reminds me of my own situation with the antiwar ultraliberals in the House and Senate. On the bright side, Ethel and I went to the Met yesterday. That was lovely and gave me a much needed bout of relaxation before I meet the SEATO leaders in Manila next week.”
RFK Diaries, 01/09/69
“Mr. President, we have bad news. Yahya Khan has been assassinated by an army lieutenant in Rawalpindi. India’s mobilizing, and it doesn’t look good. I suggest we stabilize the situation, and then call Kosygin on the hotline.”
National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy to President Kennedy over Hawaii
“Nick, I want you and Mr. Califano to prepare a new Indian Act for me. This is long overdue: there are too many lawyers billing the tribes without satisfactory resolutions.” “I want you to consult the people on the ground, not the IAB- they have their own agenda, which is not mine.” “Yes Mr. President.”
President Kennedy to Attorney General Katzenbach, Apr. 4
“I’m now over Italy, enroute to the M.E., stopping in Istanbul, Jerusalem, Tehran, Amman, before returning home. This will be an interesting tour, and I do hope to get some well-deserved vacationing in while we’re here. I definitely want to experience the Dead Sea and see the Hagia Sophia- absolutely magnificent architecture.”
RFK Diaries, Apr. 15
President Kennedy on Air Force over Italy, Apr. 15
“Mr. President, I welcome you on behalf of the Turkish nation and wish you the utmost success in your endeavors.”
Turkish Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel at ramp ceremony
“There have been rumors throughout the Administration of a possible Turkish coup. Told the Agency to deal with that appropriately. Dead Sea was absolutely magnificent- could’ve stayed there for hours.”
RFK Diaries, 19/03/69
“Spoke to Max Taylor about Peace Tiger I, seems to think that we can get it through Congress before the summer recess. Ditto for the new Indian Act. An interesting long-term project I want to work on is tort reform, though it will not be pretty, and I’ll have to go back to being ruthless again. So be it.”
RFK Diaries, 11/04/69
CONGRESS PASSES PEACE TIGER I 357-78, 84-16
INDIAN ACT INTRODUCED, DEBATE EXPECTED FOR TWO WEEKS
“The pace of Presidential lawmaking has hardly changed from the Johnson years. President Kennedy has sent a package to Congress which includes more funding for South Vietnam, keeping in line with the President’s campaign promise for a reduced footprint in that country. Majority Leader Mansfield and Speaker McCormack have announced their support for the President’s proposals, as have the Republican leaders. The real test will come from liberal Democrats…”
“I do not recall the President mentioning this during the campaign.”
- Sen. George McGovern (D-SD)
“Congress is not a mere rubber stamp for the President’s proposals, but all the others seem to think so.”
- Sen. Eugene McCarthy (D-MN)
“We are firmly behind President Kennedy’s Vietnam commitment.”
- Sens. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) and Richard Russell (D-GA)
“First state visit is going to be Wilson, then Trudeau. Somehow I think removing him from the blacklist was a mistake, but you play the cards you’re dealt. Anyways, don’t want to lose skiing privileges at Tremblant.”
RFK Diaries, 30/06/69
“I don’t see too much going during the summer recess, but the tax increase will have to be introduced now, so as not to damage our chances in the November off-years or in ’70. Not that I’m overly worried about that- the GOP has no one post-Nixon. That is, if Nixon was ever a solution. Have to make some phone calls to, Gandhi, Marcos and Verwoerd anyways.”
RFK Diaries, 07/07/69
W.H. TAPES 07/07/69
President Kennedy talking to President Marcos, July 7
KENNEDY: Patch me in with Mrs. Gandhi.
NOVELLO: Sir, she’s not in her office.
KENNEDY: Patch me in with Marcos.
NOVELLO: Yes, Mr. President.
(TRANSFER)
MARCOS: Good morning Mr. President, or should I say good evening?
KENNEDY: Around 2230 over there, right?
MARCOS: Correct, but what do you wish to discuss?
KENNEDY: Just curious in regards to reports I’ve received of conflicting ideas: massive poverty reduction efforts and election violence.
MARCOS: Who said these are conflicting ideas, and the violence is the responsibility of criminal elements which we are attempting to eradicate by force. I might add that both have been quite successful.
KENNEDY: I beg your pardon?
MARCOS: Violence, particularly when political feelings run high in this country, is somewhat inevitable. Now for poverty, we have been doing more on this front than any previous administration- as are you.
KENNEDY: We haven’t gotten any legislation through on that yet…
MARCOS: Let me tell you something: we SEATO leaders are worried over Vietnam. None of us want an American withdrawal, because among other things, that indicates to our electorate that you cannot be trusted to stay in for the long haul.
KENNEDY: What I’m trying to do is organize a phased withdrawal and let the Vietnamese handle this. I realize that there will be discord, but this is what I’ve pledged to do and I’m going to do it.
MARCOS: During the campaign, you were, and still are, courageous in explaining the facts to the electorate. That’s what we want to see.
KENNEDY: Thank you, I look forward to meeting with you in August.
MARCOS: Goodbye Mr. President.
END OF RECORDING
“Marcos, besides the utter nerve, reminds me of Dad, or even me. All give and no take.”
RFK Diaries, 07/07/69
“We had another discussion of the Vietnam situation today. Decided to withdraw 40,000 by September. All the equipment (A4s, A7s, Herks, Pattons, ECM, refueling) should be there around that time, but before I do so there’s the meeting with Trudeau to worry about.”
RFK Diaries, 29/07/69
“Let me be perfectly clear: the meeting was not what anyone hoped. Then again, you’re assuming there was hope.”
Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. A.E. Ritchie
“It was doubtful that Kennedy would take kindly to a man he knew to be a draft-dodging dilettante, despite their shared commitment to physical fitness.”
Black, 667
“I like Canada and Canadians, but not the current P.M. Very much reminiscent of Gene McCarthy: same highbrow loquaciousness and intellectual arrogance, but unlike Gene, a de facto socialist. Yet they give him adulation like the kind I received last year. Mental note: wish for Tory victory in 1972.”
RFK Diaries, 15/08/69
“I met with Wilson yesterday about Vietnam. He said that sending troops is not an option, mostly because of his party’s left wing. This reminds me of my own situation with the antiwar ultraliberals in the House and Senate. On the bright side, Ethel and I went to the Met yesterday. That was lovely and gave me a much needed bout of relaxation before I meet the SEATO leaders in Manila next week.”
RFK Diaries, 01/09/69
“Mr. President, we have bad news. Yahya Khan has been assassinated by an army lieutenant in Rawalpindi. India’s mobilizing, and it doesn’t look good. I suggest we stabilize the situation, and then call Kosygin on the hotline.”
National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy to President Kennedy over Hawaii
Readers of this TL have suffered for forty days, and I hope I've compensated. Enjoy.
KHAN ASSN’D, INDIA DECLARES WAR, 230,000 INDIAN TROOPS MOVE INTO KASHMIR
Sept. 2, 1969
- New Delhi, India
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has declared war on Pakistan, calling for “restitution of all Kashmir to India” and in her speech to Parliament called on “all Indians to unite behind our mortal enemy.” 230,000 Indian troops and 200 aircraft have launched attacks on Pakistani military bases. The junta that has taken power since the assassination of Yahya Khan yesterday has mobilized their forces, but appears powerless to respond to the Indian onslaught. Britain has condemned India’s “unprovoked assault on Pakistani sovereignty”, with similar reactions throughout the European Community and Canada. The Administration’s response has been to call for a cessation of hostilities, according to Under-Secretary of State Cyrus Vance’s statement yesterday. President Kennedy and Secretary Ball are in Manila meeting with SEATO leaders, but a statement is expected from the President shortly. The Soviet Union has not issued a statement as of yet, and Ambassador Dobrynin was unavailable for comment as of press time.”
“I don’t use profanity about women, but I’m sorely tempted to on this occasion”
- President Kennedy, privately
“What’s the situation?” “They’ve moved into Kashmir and CIA says the advance guard should be crossing the border right about now.” “I need to contact Gandhi and Kosygin ASAP.” “Sir, Kosygin’s on the line.”
NSC meeting, 1330 Manila time
NSC TRANSCRIPT: 02/09/69- POTUS/POSU
KOSYGIN: We haven’t said one thing to the Indians before this started. I have attempted to contact Mrs. Gandhi to arrange a ceasefire, but she is apparently not in the capital right now.
KENNEDY: She will definitely try to hold Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and as much territory as she can grab. India would probably split Pakistan into multiple states, because of the impossibility of absorbing it successfully into their existing borders.
KOSYGIN: The KGB says the same thing. As responsible powers, we cannot allow this situation to continue.
KENNEDY: I completely agree, and I’ll be in touch if necessary.
KOSYGIN: Goodbye.
END OF TRANSCRIPT
“Sir, they’re within 40 miles of Lahore and the airport’s being shelled, however the Indian 1st Armored has been taking lighter losses than expected.” “How the hell am I supposed to initiate détente with India if they can’t restrain themselves when Pakistan vomits up another junta every few years?”
President Kennedy to NSA McGeorge Bundy, 1655
“I expect the Phase IIB withdrawals to be completed by month’s end Mr. President.” “Excellent, but can the South Vietnamese continue the COIN program that you’ve begun.” “Sir, the unit quality is not uniform, and the better units are generally sent to the frontlines. So my answer would be no at the present time.” “Not much we can do General.”
President Kennedy to Gen. Creighton Abrams
“Sir, Mrs. Gandhi is on the line.” “Thank you Lieutenant.”
KENNEDY: “Madam Prime Minister, it appears perfectly clear to me that your intentions go beyond East Pakistan into West Pakistan. That’s unacceptable to me and the United States.”
GANDHI: “We do not seek the dismemberment of West Pakistan, but rather the liberation of Kashmir from the rulers in the West. Kashmir belongs to India, and that is our sole objective: the liberation of Kashmir.”
KENNEDY: “I will have no choice but to impose sanctions if that is the case. You have initiated an unprovoked war against Pakistan, and there will be a reduction in food supplies.”
GANDHI: “This war is not unprovoked, we are responding to Pakistani aggression.”
KENNEDY: “Mrs. Gandhi, I’m not going to debate the semantics with you. There will be consequences forthcoming very shortly. Goodbye.”
END OF CALL
“Lieutenant, get me Harold Wilson on the line right now.” “Yes Mr. President.”
WILSON: “Bob, why the early hour? It’s only 7:30 in the morning here.”
KENNEDY: “Sorry Harold, but we have to coordinate on the Indian situation. Latest reports say the Indians are close to Lahore and the junta’s been quite slow on the uptake. Mrs. Gandhi is definitely on her high horse right now, I just got off the phone with her. I’d like you to support a condemnatory statement in the UN and a Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire. In the interim, I’ll send the Enterprise and the Kitty Hawk into the Bay of Bengal.”
WILSON: “Normally I’d be uneasy about this, but we’ll go along. We can spare the Eagle if you want.”
KENNEDY: “I’ll have Max Taylor call your people and we’ll coordinate this. Can you get the Commonwealth on board?”
WILSON: “I’ll call them now, and I’ll phone you when we’ve gotten all our commitments.”
KENNEDY: “Thank you Harold.”
WILSON: “Anytime Bob.”
END OF CALL
“We’re now heading straight home for D.C. after a long and grueling conference in Manila. Thieu doesn’t trust me, especially given all those cartoons of me in a NVA uniform in the Saigon press during the ’68 campaign. All the others do, especially Harry Lee and Ferdinand Marcos, who seem to be the most robust of our Asian allies. Hope the Indian situation works out OK.”
RFK Diaries, 10/09/69
“Mr. President, will you comment on the Indo-Pakistani war? Is it true that US forces will be deployed? Have you spoken to foreign leaders Mr. President?” “No comment, Mr. Mankiewicz will brief you later.”
President Kennedy upon disembarking from Marine One on the South Lawn
Marine One approaches the South Lawn, Sept. 7
Meanwhile, at Martha’s Vineyard…
“We have to get to that ferry; this is the last one of the night. Is that it over there?” “Oh no, brace yourself Mary…”
Back at the White House, 2330
President Kennedy in the White House Residence Quarters, Sept 10
“I’m going to sleep soon Ethel; I just need to speak to Moynihan at the UN one last time.”
KENNEDY: “Have you gotten the British and French on our side?”
MOYNIHAN: “Yes Mr. President, the Chinese are also leaning for India, even though they don’t know about the project. But I think the Soviets will come down on our side, since this is unprovoked Indian aggression.”
KENNEDY: “I spoke to Harold Wilson, and our assets are being deployed as we speak. Call me first thing tomorrow morning, starting at 6 AM.”
MOYNIHAN: “Yes Mr. President.”
END OF CALL
Three hours later, the President is sound asleep, when suddenly the telephone rings…
KHAN ASSN’D, INDIA DECLARES WAR, 230,000 INDIAN TROOPS MOVE INTO KASHMIR
Sept. 2, 1969
- New Delhi, India
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has declared war on Pakistan, calling for “restitution of all Kashmir to India” and in her speech to Parliament called on “all Indians to unite behind our mortal enemy.” 230,000 Indian troops and 200 aircraft have launched attacks on Pakistani military bases. The junta that has taken power since the assassination of Yahya Khan yesterday has mobilized their forces, but appears powerless to respond to the Indian onslaught. Britain has condemned India’s “unprovoked assault on Pakistani sovereignty”, with similar reactions throughout the European Community and Canada. The Administration’s response has been to call for a cessation of hostilities, according to Under-Secretary of State Cyrus Vance’s statement yesterday. President Kennedy and Secretary Ball are in Manila meeting with SEATO leaders, but a statement is expected from the President shortly. The Soviet Union has not issued a statement as of yet, and Ambassador Dobrynin was unavailable for comment as of press time.”
“I don’t use profanity about women, but I’m sorely tempted to on this occasion”
- President Kennedy, privately
“What’s the situation?” “They’ve moved into Kashmir and CIA says the advance guard should be crossing the border right about now.” “I need to contact Gandhi and Kosygin ASAP.” “Sir, Kosygin’s on the line.”
NSC meeting, 1330 Manila time
NSC TRANSCRIPT: 02/09/69- POTUS/POSU
KOSYGIN: We haven’t said one thing to the Indians before this started. I have attempted to contact Mrs. Gandhi to arrange a ceasefire, but she is apparently not in the capital right now.
KENNEDY: She will definitely try to hold Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and as much territory as she can grab. India would probably split Pakistan into multiple states, because of the impossibility of absorbing it successfully into their existing borders.
KOSYGIN: The KGB says the same thing. As responsible powers, we cannot allow this situation to continue.
KENNEDY: I completely agree, and I’ll be in touch if necessary.
KOSYGIN: Goodbye.
END OF TRANSCRIPT
“Sir, they’re within 40 miles of Lahore and the airport’s being shelled, however the Indian 1st Armored has been taking lighter losses than expected.” “How the hell am I supposed to initiate détente with India if they can’t restrain themselves when Pakistan vomits up another junta every few years?”
President Kennedy to NSA McGeorge Bundy, 1655
“I expect the Phase IIB withdrawals to be completed by month’s end Mr. President.” “Excellent, but can the South Vietnamese continue the COIN program that you’ve begun.” “Sir, the unit quality is not uniform, and the better units are generally sent to the frontlines. So my answer would be no at the present time.” “Not much we can do General.”
President Kennedy to Gen. Creighton Abrams
“Sir, Mrs. Gandhi is on the line.” “Thank you Lieutenant.”
KENNEDY: “Madam Prime Minister, it appears perfectly clear to me that your intentions go beyond East Pakistan into West Pakistan. That’s unacceptable to me and the United States.”
GANDHI: “We do not seek the dismemberment of West Pakistan, but rather the liberation of Kashmir from the rulers in the West. Kashmir belongs to India, and that is our sole objective: the liberation of Kashmir.”
KENNEDY: “I will have no choice but to impose sanctions if that is the case. You have initiated an unprovoked war against Pakistan, and there will be a reduction in food supplies.”
GANDHI: “This war is not unprovoked, we are responding to Pakistani aggression.”
KENNEDY: “Mrs. Gandhi, I’m not going to debate the semantics with you. There will be consequences forthcoming very shortly. Goodbye.”
END OF CALL
“Lieutenant, get me Harold Wilson on the line right now.” “Yes Mr. President.”
WILSON: “Bob, why the early hour? It’s only 7:30 in the morning here.”
KENNEDY: “Sorry Harold, but we have to coordinate on the Indian situation. Latest reports say the Indians are close to Lahore and the junta’s been quite slow on the uptake. Mrs. Gandhi is definitely on her high horse right now, I just got off the phone with her. I’d like you to support a condemnatory statement in the UN and a Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire. In the interim, I’ll send the Enterprise and the Kitty Hawk into the Bay of Bengal.”
WILSON: “Normally I’d be uneasy about this, but we’ll go along. We can spare the Eagle if you want.”
KENNEDY: “I’ll have Max Taylor call your people and we’ll coordinate this. Can you get the Commonwealth on board?”
WILSON: “I’ll call them now, and I’ll phone you when we’ve gotten all our commitments.”
KENNEDY: “Thank you Harold.”
WILSON: “Anytime Bob.”
END OF CALL
“We’re now heading straight home for D.C. after a long and grueling conference in Manila. Thieu doesn’t trust me, especially given all those cartoons of me in a NVA uniform in the Saigon press during the ’68 campaign. All the others do, especially Harry Lee and Ferdinand Marcos, who seem to be the most robust of our Asian allies. Hope the Indian situation works out OK.”
RFK Diaries, 10/09/69
“Mr. President, will you comment on the Indo-Pakistani war? Is it true that US forces will be deployed? Have you spoken to foreign leaders Mr. President?” “No comment, Mr. Mankiewicz will brief you later.”
President Kennedy upon disembarking from Marine One on the South Lawn
Marine One approaches the South Lawn, Sept. 7
Meanwhile, at Martha’s Vineyard…
“We have to get to that ferry; this is the last one of the night. Is that it over there?” “Oh no, brace yourself Mary…”
Back at the White House, 2330
President Kennedy in the White House Residence Quarters, Sept 10
“I’m going to sleep soon Ethel; I just need to speak to Moynihan at the UN one last time.”
KENNEDY: “Have you gotten the British and French on our side?”
MOYNIHAN: “Yes Mr. President, the Chinese are also leaning for India, even though they don’t know about the project. But I think the Soviets will come down on our side, since this is unprovoked Indian aggression.”
KENNEDY: “I spoke to Harold Wilson, and our assets are being deployed as we speak. Call me first thing tomorrow morning, starting at 6 AM.”
MOYNIHAN: “Yes Mr. President.”
END OF CALL
Three hours later, the President is sound asleep, when suddenly the telephone rings…
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Don't worry, as soon as Camelot is finished (by Wednesday hopefully), this will have my complete attention. Remember, posts are ~1000 words and ideally I like to post two updates per day, so roughly six-eight ATL months per day, depending on the ATL situation. "Crisis" posts such as the current ones might be somewhat longer in the future.
Next update: likely tomorrow afternoon, which might or might not include early 1970.
On pix: I usually disappoint there (for reasons out of my control), but try to compensate with a lively read.
Domestically: expect some interesting events soon...
Next update: likely tomorrow afternoon, which might or might not include early 1970.
On pix: I usually disappoint there (for reasons out of my control), but try to compensate with a lively read.
Domestically: expect some interesting events soon...
“Who the hell is calling at 3 in the morning?” “Just get it Bobby.” “This is the President” “Bob, its Teddy. I’m in a bit of a pickle here. I was at a party and missed the ferry.” “You’re calling me at 3 in the goddamn morning for that?” “No, because the car went into the river and my passenger are hospitalized.” “You mean someone other than Joan who is presumably female? Of course, you had too much to drink didn’t you? I don’t want to hear excuses, come and see me first thing tomorrow morning through the garage. We’re dealing with two wars and I have a kid brother who can’t keep the bottles corked or his pants zipped outside the home. Goodbye.”
Private phone call between President and Senator Kennedy
From Benevolent Autocrat: “Robert was quietly furious at his kid brother, for what he believed was a serious danger to his presidency. Already liberal Democrats were pushing for domestic policies to the left of Kennedy’s instincts and Republican conservatives like Ronald Reagan were saying “Bobby sounds more and more like me every day.”
The Oval Office, 8:15 AM, Sept. 11
“So what’s the story on Vietnam today Mac?” “Thieu is planning a major offensive towards the troop concentrations in Laos and we’re going to be supporting ARVN from the air. Main objective will be shutting down the Trail, which will require our airpower longer than you might have initially thought.” “Where are the Enterprise and Kitty Hawk?” “They should be in the Bay by midnight latest, and you might get a call from Kosygin within the next two hours. Pakistan has now fully mobilized and they’re grinding each other down about twenty miles outside Lahore.” “Thank you Mac.”
President Kennedy conferring with NSA McGeorge Bundy
L-R: Special Advisor Ted Sorensen, National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy, President Robert Kennedy and Communications Director Pierre Salinger confer over the Indo-Pakistani War on Sept. 11. They are studying tactical maps.
“So today we’re sending the urban renewal package to the House for approval, and that is what I really want to focus on: the cities and domestic issues. Not that foreign affairs isn’t interesting, but that there are things here that need my attention.”
RFK Diaries, 28/09/69
“Mr. President, Kosygin’s on the line.” “Thank you Lieutenant.”
KOSYGIN: “We’ve reached a tentative agreement with the Indians. I just received your message about the successful negotiations with the Pakistanis. All forces will halt in position and will return to their forward bases.”
KENNEDY: “I appreciate the effort, but we’re keeping those ships in the Bay until the withdrawal is complete.”
KOSYGIN: “Your fleet might get harassed by the Indians if you persist in keeping your fleet there Mr. President.”
KENNEDY: “We can deal with that. What’s important is that the Kush remains stable to our mutual benefit.”
KOSYGIN: “I completely agree with you, which is why I’d like to invite you to Moscow for talks on arms reduction.”
KENNEDY: “While I appreciate the offer, I don’t see the point in going unless we can draft a treaty beforehand.”
KOSYGIN: “Then send your negotiators to meet with ours, and something will be worked out.”
KENNEDY: “I’ll do that, thank you.”
END OF RECORDING
PRES KENNEDY SENDS URBAN RENEWAL BILL TO CONGRESS, HOUSE VOTES SOON
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 14, 1969
“Today President Robert Kennedy sent his long-awaited urban renewal plan to Congress. Unlike bills of the previous Administration, this one calls for local action plans all around the country under the overall supervision of the decentralized Office of Economic Opportunity. Minority Leader Gerald Ford has declared “the Administration has given us a negotiable bill, which will not be rejected out of hand by the Republican Party.” Governors Nelson Rockefeller of New York and Robert Docking of Indiana have declared their support, and it is likely to pass the Senate.”
“Mr. President, the Vice President is here.” “Thank you Fred.” “How’s life treating you George?” “Fine Mr. President, but there are some concerns I have to share with you. What I’m warning you of is the fact that Republicans have learnt of your brother’s accident and are now threatening to go public with the information.” “George, I appreciate your honesty. However Mr. Hoover and I have things that they would prefer not made public, and I plan on reminding them if they choose to do so.” “Mr. President, another concern is that of increasing violence down South. Barbara and I just returned and there is hardly a soul in Texas who is for you personally rather than the Democratic Party.” “You mean other than the blacks and Latinos, correct?” “I’m sorry…” “No, don’t apologize. I know what you meant: no Texas politicians are for me. Connally, Sanders and Lister Hill are the most reasonable by far.” “Thank for your advice George, I appreciate it.” “You’re welcome, Mr. President.”
Oval Office conversation between President Kennedy and Vice President Bush, Nov. 5
“I like George Bush. He’s affable, a trade expert and one of the best Republicans I know. His problem is that he has little charisma and style, and has never seemed completely at ease with electoral politics.”
RFK Diaries, 19/11/69
“Happy 44th Birthday to me! Ethel and the kids surprised me with a beautiful cake at dinner, complete with a surprise appearance from Dad. Just when you start feeling down, I’m happy again. TG for the family that keeps my spirits up during these 12 hour days.”
RFK Diaries, 20/11/69
Meanwhile, at Independence Palace in Saigon…
THIEU: “I don’t trust Kennedy as far as I can throw him. If he found a way to disengage without the US losing face, he’d have done so by now. That man will sell us down the river and he’ll get rewarded with a second term for doing so.”
KY: “I think Kennedy is trying to reconcile his political instincts with the desires of his constituents, so he’s continuing Abrams’ policy for the time being. Let’s just be pleasant for the time being, Nguyen. He holds all the cards and is just as good, if not better a negotiator as Johnson was.”
THIEU: “That’s what you’ll have to tell the Council tomorrow. Our operation is going perfectly, and Laos should be cleared by next week.”
President Nguyen Van Thieu and Prime Minister Nguyen Cao Ky at a meeting of the Revolutionary Command Council, Nov. 9,
Back at the White House
“We need to write that speech about reconciling the divisions in the country Bob.” “I’ve already thought of our slogan, which encapsulates what I’m trying to achieve domestically. “Fair Federalism.” How does that sound to you?” “As great as it always does when Adam isn’t putting his thoughts in your speeches.” “Cute.”
President Kennedy to Chief of Staff Fred Dutton
Private phone call between President and Senator Kennedy
From Benevolent Autocrat: “Robert was quietly furious at his kid brother, for what he believed was a serious danger to his presidency. Already liberal Democrats were pushing for domestic policies to the left of Kennedy’s instincts and Republican conservatives like Ronald Reagan were saying “Bobby sounds more and more like me every day.”
The Oval Office, 8:15 AM, Sept. 11
“So what’s the story on Vietnam today Mac?” “Thieu is planning a major offensive towards the troop concentrations in Laos and we’re going to be supporting ARVN from the air. Main objective will be shutting down the Trail, which will require our airpower longer than you might have initially thought.” “Where are the Enterprise and Kitty Hawk?” “They should be in the Bay by midnight latest, and you might get a call from Kosygin within the next two hours. Pakistan has now fully mobilized and they’re grinding each other down about twenty miles outside Lahore.” “Thank you Mac.”
President Kennedy conferring with NSA McGeorge Bundy
L-R: Special Advisor Ted Sorensen, National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy, President Robert Kennedy and Communications Director Pierre Salinger confer over the Indo-Pakistani War on Sept. 11. They are studying tactical maps.
“So today we’re sending the urban renewal package to the House for approval, and that is what I really want to focus on: the cities and domestic issues. Not that foreign affairs isn’t interesting, but that there are things here that need my attention.”
RFK Diaries, 28/09/69
“Mr. President, Kosygin’s on the line.” “Thank you Lieutenant.”
KOSYGIN: “We’ve reached a tentative agreement with the Indians. I just received your message about the successful negotiations with the Pakistanis. All forces will halt in position and will return to their forward bases.”
KENNEDY: “I appreciate the effort, but we’re keeping those ships in the Bay until the withdrawal is complete.”
KOSYGIN: “Your fleet might get harassed by the Indians if you persist in keeping your fleet there Mr. President.”
KENNEDY: “We can deal with that. What’s important is that the Kush remains stable to our mutual benefit.”
KOSYGIN: “I completely agree with you, which is why I’d like to invite you to Moscow for talks on arms reduction.”
KENNEDY: “While I appreciate the offer, I don’t see the point in going unless we can draft a treaty beforehand.”
KOSYGIN: “Then send your negotiators to meet with ours, and something will be worked out.”
KENNEDY: “I’ll do that, thank you.”
END OF RECORDING
PRES KENNEDY SENDS URBAN RENEWAL BILL TO CONGRESS, HOUSE VOTES SOON
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 14, 1969
“Today President Robert Kennedy sent his long-awaited urban renewal plan to Congress. Unlike bills of the previous Administration, this one calls for local action plans all around the country under the overall supervision of the decentralized Office of Economic Opportunity. Minority Leader Gerald Ford has declared “the Administration has given us a negotiable bill, which will not be rejected out of hand by the Republican Party.” Governors Nelson Rockefeller of New York and Robert Docking of Indiana have declared their support, and it is likely to pass the Senate.”
“Mr. President, the Vice President is here.” “Thank you Fred.” “How’s life treating you George?” “Fine Mr. President, but there are some concerns I have to share with you. What I’m warning you of is the fact that Republicans have learnt of your brother’s accident and are now threatening to go public with the information.” “George, I appreciate your honesty. However Mr. Hoover and I have things that they would prefer not made public, and I plan on reminding them if they choose to do so.” “Mr. President, another concern is that of increasing violence down South. Barbara and I just returned and there is hardly a soul in Texas who is for you personally rather than the Democratic Party.” “You mean other than the blacks and Latinos, correct?” “I’m sorry…” “No, don’t apologize. I know what you meant: no Texas politicians are for me. Connally, Sanders and Lister Hill are the most reasonable by far.” “Thank for your advice George, I appreciate it.” “You’re welcome, Mr. President.”
Oval Office conversation between President Kennedy and Vice President Bush, Nov. 5
“I like George Bush. He’s affable, a trade expert and one of the best Republicans I know. His problem is that he has little charisma and style, and has never seemed completely at ease with electoral politics.”
RFK Diaries, 19/11/69
“Happy 44th Birthday to me! Ethel and the kids surprised me with a beautiful cake at dinner, complete with a surprise appearance from Dad. Just when you start feeling down, I’m happy again. TG for the family that keeps my spirits up during these 12 hour days.”
RFK Diaries, 20/11/69
Meanwhile, at Independence Palace in Saigon…
THIEU: “I don’t trust Kennedy as far as I can throw him. If he found a way to disengage without the US losing face, he’d have done so by now. That man will sell us down the river and he’ll get rewarded with a second term for doing so.”
KY: “I think Kennedy is trying to reconcile his political instincts with the desires of his constituents, so he’s continuing Abrams’ policy for the time being. Let’s just be pleasant for the time being, Nguyen. He holds all the cards and is just as good, if not better a negotiator as Johnson was.”
THIEU: “That’s what you’ll have to tell the Council tomorrow. Our operation is going perfectly, and Laos should be cleared by next week.”
President Nguyen Van Thieu and Prime Minister Nguyen Cao Ky at a meeting of the Revolutionary Command Council, Nov. 9,
Back at the White House
“We need to write that speech about reconciling the divisions in the country Bob.” “I’ve already thought of our slogan, which encapsulates what I’m trying to achieve domestically. “Fair Federalism.” How does that sound to you?” “As great as it always does when Adam isn’t putting his thoughts in your speeches.” “Cute.”
President Kennedy to Chief of Staff Fred Dutton
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Awesome timeline, very detalied and well thought out RB...althout I thought the Nixon plane crash as well as the Sanford assassination was a bit much. An earlier George H.W Bush Vice Presidency was a unique twist, but it will probabably hurt him rather than help him being associated with such a fiercly liberal Adminstration. The way your setting things up, it seems that Bobby may be very vunerable come '72...Can't wait to see what you have instore...Keep it comming
Enjoy.
“Are we ready for airtime?” “This is the least powder I’ve put on a President in years- do you have access to our stores?” “A President has secrets, doesn’t he?”
President Kennedy just before airtime in Indianapolis
“My fellow citizens, I was elected a year ago on a promise to heal national divisions and disengage from the war in Vietnam. Over these past twelve months we have made significant steps towards healing racial divisions with urban renewal programs and various efforts on the national level. What we must understand about the war in Vietnam, and let us not mince words: post-Tet this has become a conventional war requiring appropriate measures. Disengagement from Vietnam does not mean shirking our responsibilities under SEATO. That is why I have sent arms to South Vietnam, in order that their Government shall be self-sufficient in case of a North Vietnamese assault… At home, every American should make a personal effort towards community improvement. I believe that Washington does not have all the answers to local problems that require local solutions. It is abundantly clear to me that Bedford-Stuyvesant in New York does not have the same dossier as Muncie, Indiana.One size does not fit all. That is why, as you can see, I am speaking in Indianapolis and not in Washington. What we require is a fair federalism where state jurisdiction is respected and there is neither a “tyranny of the centre” nor a weak centre at the mercy of the states.”
National Televised Address, Nov. 29
“Mr. President, these poll numbers are outstanding. You’ve rebounded from 56% to 70% overnight! At the same time you gave us something to work with for the midterm elections.” “That was a secondary consideration to national unity, in case you haven’t realized.”
President Kennedy to DNC Chair Larry O’Brien
THIEU: NO NEGOTIATIONS WITH NLF
SAIGON, Dec. 11, 1969
“President Nguyen Van Thieu announced today that the South Vietnamese Government would not negotiate with the National Liberation Front because “we negotiate with governments, not terrorists. To say that they are anything but terrorists is a direct insult to the thousands of peasants who have died at their hands.” Senior Administration officials have suggested that this was a bombshell “aimed for maximum effect before the President meets de Gaulle in January.” Asian governments led by Korean President Park and Philippine President Marcos have repeatedly urged Thieu to come to terms with the N.L.F. to no avail. Or as a senior Asian diplomat told the Times: “President Thieu is locked in a losing battle with Kennedy for political reasons.”
President Thieu at an Independence Palace press conference, Dec. 4
“Thieu is trying to fuck around with the American public so that they can ask me to win his war with minimal damage to his political capital. What he doesn’t realize is that none of the Republicans, be it Rockefeller, Reagan or anyone else, have credibility with the antiwar crowd. I do, and I’m surprised that Thieu hasn’t realized that yet.”
RFK Diaries, Dec. 19
PRES KENNEDY LANDS IN PARIS FOR DE GAULLE VISIT, 50,000 LINE CHAMPS ELYSEE
PARIS, Jan. 5, 1970
“President Robert F. Kennedy arrived in Paris aboard Air Force One to be greeted by French President Charles de Gaulle in person. The two men rode down the Champs-Élysées in an open car with 50,000 Parisians lining the route towards the Élysée Palace. Talks are expected to include the Vietnam War, various trade disputes that have plagued the EEC and the US such as cheese imports, which has escalated into a trade war since the Johnson Administration…”
“De Gaulle is by far the most impressive of all the European leaders I’ve met, with Harry Lee his closest rival in the Pacific Rim. We had a long and frank discussion about ‘Nam, which he sees as inevitably unified under Communist rule. Trade disputes are well on their way to being settled, but DG expressed concern about India. He thinks that they, not Pakistan, are the future and US policy should be adjusted accordingly. I replied that I’m trying to get over there but wouldn’t have the POTUS beggaring Indira Gandhi for a reluctant invite.”
RFK Diaries, Jan. 7
“I’ve come to the conclusion that we won’t fight Kennedy publicly on the negotiation terms, if only because it seems to strengthen his domestic hand. Bui Diem has told me that he’s mobilizing support for the war, on the condition that there is no involvement by US forces. I’ll try to call him later today. He’s much better at the public-opinion game than Johnson was and it’s time I faced up to it.”
Conversation between President Thieu and Premier Ky, Feb. 1
President Kennedy talking with Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, Feb. 3
“Mr. President, President Thieu on 8830.” “Thank you Angie.”
THIEU: “Good evening Mr. President. Have I disturbed you?”
KENNEDY: “Not at all.”
THIEU: “I wish to inform you that we will be attending the conference, but will not deal directly with them under any circumstances.”
KENNEDY: “If so, then there’s no point of them attending. They’re not furniture to be seen and not heard. Are you afraid of facing them in an election? If they’re despised by the rural voters as you say, you’ll crush them, so why worry?”
THIEU: “I deeply resent…”
KENNEDY: “Let me be perfectly clear with you: I know exactly what Bui Diem was doing with the Republican Senators and what you were doing with that statement. Unlike President Johnson, I will call you out on that publicly without regret. President Thieu, you do not want to know what President de Gaulle had to say about that statement. It would likely cause a rupture in French-Vietnamese relations if I did.”
THIEU: “Have we reached an impasse?”
KENNEDY: “That is up to you. If you agree to have subordinates meet the NLF people under French supervision, I’d be more than happy to…”
“Are we ready for airtime?” “This is the least powder I’ve put on a President in years- do you have access to our stores?” “A President has secrets, doesn’t he?”
President Kennedy just before airtime in Indianapolis
“My fellow citizens, I was elected a year ago on a promise to heal national divisions and disengage from the war in Vietnam. Over these past twelve months we have made significant steps towards healing racial divisions with urban renewal programs and various efforts on the national level. What we must understand about the war in Vietnam, and let us not mince words: post-Tet this has become a conventional war requiring appropriate measures. Disengagement from Vietnam does not mean shirking our responsibilities under SEATO. That is why I have sent arms to South Vietnam, in order that their Government shall be self-sufficient in case of a North Vietnamese assault… At home, every American should make a personal effort towards community improvement. I believe that Washington does not have all the answers to local problems that require local solutions. It is abundantly clear to me that Bedford-Stuyvesant in New York does not have the same dossier as Muncie, Indiana.One size does not fit all. That is why, as you can see, I am speaking in Indianapolis and not in Washington. What we require is a fair federalism where state jurisdiction is respected and there is neither a “tyranny of the centre” nor a weak centre at the mercy of the states.”
National Televised Address, Nov. 29
“Mr. President, these poll numbers are outstanding. You’ve rebounded from 56% to 70% overnight! At the same time you gave us something to work with for the midterm elections.” “That was a secondary consideration to national unity, in case you haven’t realized.”
President Kennedy to DNC Chair Larry O’Brien
Excerpted from “R.F.K.: Patrician Whig” by Doris Kearns Goodwin: “In retrospect, Kennedy clearly staked out the political centre for himself, consigning his critics on both left and right to irresponsible fringe movements. One of his favorite lines was “New Deal philosophy posits Government as the national father. I posit myself as the kindly uncle who’s more chairman than CEO.”
THIEU: NO NEGOTIATIONS WITH NLF
SAIGON, Dec. 11, 1969
“President Nguyen Van Thieu announced today that the South Vietnamese Government would not negotiate with the National Liberation Front because “we negotiate with governments, not terrorists. To say that they are anything but terrorists is a direct insult to the thousands of peasants who have died at their hands.” Senior Administration officials have suggested that this was a bombshell “aimed for maximum effect before the President meets de Gaulle in January.” Asian governments led by Korean President Park and Philippine President Marcos have repeatedly urged Thieu to come to terms with the N.L.F. to no avail. Or as a senior Asian diplomat told the Times: “President Thieu is locked in a losing battle with Kennedy for political reasons.”
President Thieu at an Independence Palace press conference, Dec. 4
“Thieu is trying to fuck around with the American public so that they can ask me to win his war with minimal damage to his political capital. What he doesn’t realize is that none of the Republicans, be it Rockefeller, Reagan or anyone else, have credibility with the antiwar crowd. I do, and I’m surprised that Thieu hasn’t realized that yet.”
RFK Diaries, Dec. 19
PRES KENNEDY LANDS IN PARIS FOR DE GAULLE VISIT, 50,000 LINE CHAMPS ELYSEE
PARIS, Jan. 5, 1970
“President Robert F. Kennedy arrived in Paris aboard Air Force One to be greeted by French President Charles de Gaulle in person. The two men rode down the Champs-Élysées in an open car with 50,000 Parisians lining the route towards the Élysée Palace. Talks are expected to include the Vietnam War, various trade disputes that have plagued the EEC and the US such as cheese imports, which has escalated into a trade war since the Johnson Administration…”
“De Gaulle is by far the most impressive of all the European leaders I’ve met, with Harry Lee his closest rival in the Pacific Rim. We had a long and frank discussion about ‘Nam, which he sees as inevitably unified under Communist rule. Trade disputes are well on their way to being settled, but DG expressed concern about India. He thinks that they, not Pakistan, are the future and US policy should be adjusted accordingly. I replied that I’m trying to get over there but wouldn’t have the POTUS beggaring Indira Gandhi for a reluctant invite.”
RFK Diaries, Jan. 7
“I’ve come to the conclusion that we won’t fight Kennedy publicly on the negotiation terms, if only because it seems to strengthen his domestic hand. Bui Diem has told me that he’s mobilizing support for the war, on the condition that there is no involvement by US forces. I’ll try to call him later today. He’s much better at the public-opinion game than Johnson was and it’s time I faced up to it.”
Conversation between President Thieu and Premier Ky, Feb. 1
President Kennedy talking with Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, Feb. 3
“Mr. President, President Thieu on 8830.” “Thank you Angie.”
THIEU: “Good evening Mr. President. Have I disturbed you?”
KENNEDY: “Not at all.”
THIEU: “I wish to inform you that we will be attending the conference, but will not deal directly with them under any circumstances.”
KENNEDY: “If so, then there’s no point of them attending. They’re not furniture to be seen and not heard. Are you afraid of facing them in an election? If they’re despised by the rural voters as you say, you’ll crush them, so why worry?”
THIEU: “I deeply resent…”
KENNEDY: “Let me be perfectly clear with you: I know exactly what Bui Diem was doing with the Republican Senators and what you were doing with that statement. Unlike President Johnson, I will call you out on that publicly without regret. President Thieu, you do not want to know what President de Gaulle had to say about that statement. It would likely cause a rupture in French-Vietnamese relations if I did.”
THIEU: “Have we reached an impasse?”
KENNEDY: “That is up to you. If you agree to have subordinates meet the NLF people under French supervision, I’d be more than happy to…”
hmm...Bobby has seemed to have Vietnam basically wrapped up at this point, how is the Culture War progressed in the RFK adminstration? Has Bobby's penchant for Wire Tapping enabled him to escale the use of CointelPro with the AntiWar/Black Nationlist Groups? Looking forward to the 1972 Election
Ah well, one of his proposals was to hold press conferences across the country. Though you can't see it in the pic, his pre-airtime remarks were in reference to his winter sunlamp addiction.
Re FBI: Wait and see.
Re culture wars: RFK might have been a racial and economic liberal, but on social issues... Let's just say the GOP will be facing a real competition in that field.
Re FBI: Wait and see.
Re culture wars: RFK might have been a racial and economic liberal, but on social issues... Let's just say the GOP will be facing a real competition in that field.
W.H. TAPES, 11/01/70
“Can you connect me to Nick please Angie?” “Yes Mr. President.”
KATZENBACH: “Yes Bob?”
KENNEDY: “Nick, can you please ask Mr. Hoover to come over here at 10:15? After 11 we have a Cabinet meeting and then some paperwork before drafting the State of the Union.”
KATZENBACH: “Sure, consider it done.”
END OF RECORDING
“Spoke to Hoover two weeks ago regarding expansion of that thing as regards the AWR and BL people. H. said that we would have to move on B.S., R.B. A.H. and T.H. in particular. For obvious reasons this is known to no one but Nick, H. and myself. Not even E. knows about this. Rumors abound that Warren and Fortas will step down and I’ll have to appoint replacements.”
RFK Diaries, Jan. 27
FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover confers with President Kennedy, Jan. 26
FORTAS, WARREN ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT BY JUNE
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 14, 1970
“Today Chief Justice Earl Warren and Associate Justice Abraham Fortas announced their retirement by the end of the Supreme Court’s summer term. Chief Justice Warren has reportedly repeatedly expressed his desire to retire, and Justice Fortas has been under a cloud following his failed confirmation hearings as Chief Justice in 1968. The White House has expressed regret at their retirements, but Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach declared at a Justice Department press conference that “Justices Fortas and Warren will have designated successors before May, and that is something which President Kennedy has insisted on.”
“Now whom do I nominate to the Court? Personally, I prefer Stewart for the CJ post, but he won’t want to go through the process again. Maybe it can work if I can persuade him, the GOP Senators, and Sam Ervin to ram it through quickly. For the other post, I’m going to choose Alexander Bickel of Yale. He’s never been a judge, but he’s a constructionist and a universally respected legal scholar. Can’t be critiqued as being close to us: he was the most eloquent and respectful of the people who opposed me becoming A.G. in ’61! On Vietnam: things are going better than I expected, but there’s still work to do. Ball is appearing increasingly ineffective at State: I chose him in deference to Hubert but regret that now. Just like Rusk: a well-meaning bureaucrat who’s a nice man, but I want someone who’s engaged in the process.”
RFK Diaries, Feb. 25
“Senator, this is not just a matter of partisanship. Justice Stewart has stated that he does not want his family to go through a lengthy public airing of his life.” “Mr. President, I am in agreement with the Justice’s judicial philosophy. You may rest assured that he will be recommended for a full vote by the Judiciary Committee. However, this is only on the condition that Mr. Bickel receive the full treatment, otherwise no deal.” “I’ll agree to that Senator. Thank you for your help.”
Oval Office conversation between President Kennedy and Senate Judiciary Chairman Sen. Sam Ervin (D-NC), Mar. 2
Judiciary Chairman Sam Ervin presiding at Justice Stewart's confirmation hearings, Mar. 7
PRES KENNEDY NOMINATES STEWART, BICKEL FOR SC
WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 3, 1970
“Today President Robert Kennedy announced his nomination of Justice Potter Stewart to replace incumbent Chief Justice Earl Warren upon his June retirement and Yale Law School Professor Alexander M. Bickel to replace Justice Fortas. “I am nominating them because I believe they will serve with honor and distinction on the nation’s highest court and will be remembered long after they leave.” President Kennedy refused to answer questions regarding their impending confirmations, suggesting: “Mr. Reston, I suggest you ask Senator Ervin, as he, not I, will be conducting the confirmation hearings.”
UK PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED FOR APR 13 ELECTIONS
LONDON, Mar. 16, 1970
“Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced the dissolution of Parliament in advance of an impending Apr. 13 general election. “Britain must choose between continuing on our path towards a technocratic revolution or whether to wallow in the past under Mr. Maudling’s Conservatives.” Wilson has been in political difficulties since whispers of a challenge from Chancellor Roy Jenkins last year and inflation nearing 5.5% since Q4 of 1969. Current opinion polling shows Labor with a marginal lead, but anything can happen in the next month…”
“I hope Harold gets back in No.10 because he’s a friend, and also because dealing with Heath would be hellish. Both parties have their anti-American element, but if he has someone like Enoch Powell in Cabinet, how the hell am I supposed to shake hands with that man? Imagine what the liberals would say, to say nothing of the Negros and Hispanics? Heath wants Europe all the way and I could not disagree with him more. Why give up perfectly functioning institutions like the Commonwealth which has much more in common with the UK than “Europe”?” Not to mention his rather ill-disguised anti-Americanism.”
RFK Diaries, Mar. 28
UK general election, 13 April 1970
630 Commons seats
Labor: 307 seats
Conservative: 289 seats
Liberal: 23 seats
Other: 11 seats
Incumbent Prime Minister: Harold Wilson (Lab)
PRES KENNEDY SIGNS BAN ON TV TOBACCO ADS AT WH CEREMONY
WASHINGTON, D.C., Apr. 30, 1970
“President Robert F. Kennedy signed the Public Health Tobacco Smoking Act into law in a televised ceremony, banning tobacco advertisements on television effective January 1st, 1971. Pens were given to Vice President George Bush, HEW Secretary Abraham Ribicoff and Republican Whip Robert Griffin. The President remarked: “I think this is a historical first: a President who lives in a tobacco-producing state denying his fellow Virginians part of their livelihood. That’s why Senator Byrd isn’t here, which is perfectly understandable.”
“Stewart sailed through the Judiciary Committee yesterday thanks to Sam Ervin’s quick dispatch of business. I expect the full confirmation to come soon, then the Bickel hearings. Heard back from H. today regarding what we discussed in Feb. There are grounds for B.S., R.B. but not sufficient for A.H. and T.H. Someone in Justice suggested having J.H. preside over it. While the man’s a magnificent courtroom dramatist, I far prefer convictions for seditious activities myself. I’ve asked Nick to make sure no hanky-panky; don’t want to be an open-air target like in ’66 and Oregon ’68.”
RFK Diaries, May 12
ARVN MOUNTS LAOTIAN, CAMBODIAN OFFENSIVE BACKED BY US AIRPOWER
SAIGON, May 21, 1970
View from an ARVN 1st Air Assault Regiment Huey approaching the Cambodian border, May 20
“Today Vietnamese Army and Air Force units rolled over the Cambodian border in an attempt to cut the Ho Chi Minh trail that supplies the N.L.F. in South Vietnam. President Thieu has hailed the offensive as “a vital step towards the successful defense of our nation”, and Australian and Korean forces, recently surged to 73,000 at President Park’s orders, followed behind in mopping-up operations. In recent months, the ARVN has taken the lead, with Allied forces in solely supporting roles…”
“Can you connect me to Nick please Angie?” “Yes Mr. President.”
KATZENBACH: “Yes Bob?”
KENNEDY: “Nick, can you please ask Mr. Hoover to come over here at 10:15? After 11 we have a Cabinet meeting and then some paperwork before drafting the State of the Union.”
KATZENBACH: “Sure, consider it done.”
END OF RECORDING
“Spoke to Hoover two weeks ago regarding expansion of that thing as regards the AWR and BL people. H. said that we would have to move on B.S., R.B. A.H. and T.H. in particular. For obvious reasons this is known to no one but Nick, H. and myself. Not even E. knows about this. Rumors abound that Warren and Fortas will step down and I’ll have to appoint replacements.”
RFK Diaries, Jan. 27
FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover confers with President Kennedy, Jan. 26
FORTAS, WARREN ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT BY JUNE
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 14, 1970
“Today Chief Justice Earl Warren and Associate Justice Abraham Fortas announced their retirement by the end of the Supreme Court’s summer term. Chief Justice Warren has reportedly repeatedly expressed his desire to retire, and Justice Fortas has been under a cloud following his failed confirmation hearings as Chief Justice in 1968. The White House has expressed regret at their retirements, but Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach declared at a Justice Department press conference that “Justices Fortas and Warren will have designated successors before May, and that is something which President Kennedy has insisted on.”
“Now whom do I nominate to the Court? Personally, I prefer Stewart for the CJ post, but he won’t want to go through the process again. Maybe it can work if I can persuade him, the GOP Senators, and Sam Ervin to ram it through quickly. For the other post, I’m going to choose Alexander Bickel of Yale. He’s never been a judge, but he’s a constructionist and a universally respected legal scholar. Can’t be critiqued as being close to us: he was the most eloquent and respectful of the people who opposed me becoming A.G. in ’61! On Vietnam: things are going better than I expected, but there’s still work to do. Ball is appearing increasingly ineffective at State: I chose him in deference to Hubert but regret that now. Just like Rusk: a well-meaning bureaucrat who’s a nice man, but I want someone who’s engaged in the process.”
RFK Diaries, Feb. 25
“Senator, this is not just a matter of partisanship. Justice Stewart has stated that he does not want his family to go through a lengthy public airing of his life.” “Mr. President, I am in agreement with the Justice’s judicial philosophy. You may rest assured that he will be recommended for a full vote by the Judiciary Committee. However, this is only on the condition that Mr. Bickel receive the full treatment, otherwise no deal.” “I’ll agree to that Senator. Thank you for your help.”
Oval Office conversation between President Kennedy and Senate Judiciary Chairman Sen. Sam Ervin (D-NC), Mar. 2
Judiciary Chairman Sam Ervin presiding at Justice Stewart's confirmation hearings, Mar. 7
PRES KENNEDY NOMINATES STEWART, BICKEL FOR SC
WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 3, 1970
“Today President Robert Kennedy announced his nomination of Justice Potter Stewart to replace incumbent Chief Justice Earl Warren upon his June retirement and Yale Law School Professor Alexander M. Bickel to replace Justice Fortas. “I am nominating them because I believe they will serve with honor and distinction on the nation’s highest court and will be remembered long after they leave.” President Kennedy refused to answer questions regarding their impending confirmations, suggesting: “Mr. Reston, I suggest you ask Senator Ervin, as he, not I, will be conducting the confirmation hearings.”
UK PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED FOR APR 13 ELECTIONS
LONDON, Mar. 16, 1970
“Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced the dissolution of Parliament in advance of an impending Apr. 13 general election. “Britain must choose between continuing on our path towards a technocratic revolution or whether to wallow in the past under Mr. Maudling’s Conservatives.” Wilson has been in political difficulties since whispers of a challenge from Chancellor Roy Jenkins last year and inflation nearing 5.5% since Q4 of 1969. Current opinion polling shows Labor with a marginal lead, but anything can happen in the next month…”
“I hope Harold gets back in No.10 because he’s a friend, and also because dealing with Heath would be hellish. Both parties have their anti-American element, but if he has someone like Enoch Powell in Cabinet, how the hell am I supposed to shake hands with that man? Imagine what the liberals would say, to say nothing of the Negros and Hispanics? Heath wants Europe all the way and I could not disagree with him more. Why give up perfectly functioning institutions like the Commonwealth which has much more in common with the UK than “Europe”?” Not to mention his rather ill-disguised anti-Americanism.”
RFK Diaries, Mar. 28
UK general election, 13 April 1970
630 Commons seats
Labor: 307 seats
Conservative: 289 seats
Liberal: 23 seats
Other: 11 seats
Incumbent Prime Minister: Harold Wilson (Lab)
PRES KENNEDY SIGNS BAN ON TV TOBACCO ADS AT WH CEREMONY
WASHINGTON, D.C., Apr. 30, 1970
“President Robert F. Kennedy signed the Public Health Tobacco Smoking Act into law in a televised ceremony, banning tobacco advertisements on television effective January 1st, 1971. Pens were given to Vice President George Bush, HEW Secretary Abraham Ribicoff and Republican Whip Robert Griffin. The President remarked: “I think this is a historical first: a President who lives in a tobacco-producing state denying his fellow Virginians part of their livelihood. That’s why Senator Byrd isn’t here, which is perfectly understandable.”
“Stewart sailed through the Judiciary Committee yesterday thanks to Sam Ervin’s quick dispatch of business. I expect the full confirmation to come soon, then the Bickel hearings. Heard back from H. today regarding what we discussed in Feb. There are grounds for B.S., R.B. but not sufficient for A.H. and T.H. Someone in Justice suggested having J.H. preside over it. While the man’s a magnificent courtroom dramatist, I far prefer convictions for seditious activities myself. I’ve asked Nick to make sure no hanky-panky; don’t want to be an open-air target like in ’66 and Oregon ’68.”
RFK Diaries, May 12
ARVN MOUNTS LAOTIAN, CAMBODIAN OFFENSIVE BACKED BY US AIRPOWER
SAIGON, May 21, 1970
View from an ARVN 1st Air Assault Regiment Huey approaching the Cambodian border, May 20
“Today Vietnamese Army and Air Force units rolled over the Cambodian border in an attempt to cut the Ho Chi Minh trail that supplies the N.L.F. in South Vietnam. President Thieu has hailed the offensive as “a vital step towards the successful defense of our nation”, and Australian and Korean forces, recently surged to 73,000 at President Park’s orders, followed behind in mopping-up operations. In recent months, the ARVN has taken the lead, with Allied forces in solely supporting roles…”
Does anyone have any questions regarding the TL? Promise some domestic action very soon, so stay tuned...
“Abe, our next domestic project will be healthcare. You know what I want and what I don’t want. What I do not want is a single-payer system. The voters would never go for it and it would compromise the private insurance industry to an unacceptable degree. What I want is public competition with the private sector. Get together some people from your department and get a bill together. If we can pass this before 1971 we can move on to the other projects I have in mind regarding urban renewal and public service.” “Yes Mr. President.”
Conversation between President Kennedy and HEW Secretary Abe Ribicoff, June 4
SEALE, BROWN INDICTED ON CONSPIRACY, ARSON
CHICAGO, June 19, 1970
“Today the Illinois Attorney General’s office announced the indictment of Black Panther leaders Bobby Seale and H. Rap Brown on charges of incitement to riot and arson charges dating to the 1968 Democratic convention. Mayor Richard Daley released a statement that “an important step in bringing these criminals to justice has been reached” and the trial will commence in September.
PRES KENNEDY INTRODUCES HEALTH PLAN TO CONGRESS
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 7, 1970
“Today Majority Leader Mike Mansfield introduced the Administration’s healthcare proposal. Titled “Comprehensive Health Coverage Act” or CHCA for short, the proposal would create new corporations known as “health maintenance organizations” to provide employer-based insurance coverage. At the same time, there will be an option for all Americans 60 and older to buy into the Medicare system. The public option reportedly nearly killed the bill, though one Capitol Hill source told the Times’ James Reston “the President said it was our duty to provide coverage to our poorest fellow citizens. How can you oppose it when the President tells you to your face that it is your duty as a patriotic American?”
ADMIN: TROOP WITHDRAWALS TO BE COMPLETED “SHORTLY”
SAIGON, Aug. 12, 1970
“In a surprise visit to Vietnam, President Kennedy reviewed the troops and said “make no mistake about it, South Vietnam will win this war. All of you will be home very shortly.” Currently troop levels are at 50,000 and the Pentagon has said a timetable of between six to eight months will be required to fully end the ground involvement in Southeast Asia. Korean, Australian and Philippine troops are still fighting along with the South Vietnamese forces and are expected to do so for at least another year. President Thieu was also present and praised President Kennedy’s “deft and realistic” handling of the war.”
“Many of them were begging me to announce a firm withdrawal date. That would be like telling a bank robber when the security cameras are offline for maintenance. Absolutely not: a general guideline to satisfy the public, but no more. Healthcare is likely to pass but there are reports of hanky-panky in Chicago.”
RFK Diaries, Aug. 27
PRES KENNEDY SIGNS HEALTHCARE BILL AT CAPITOL
WASHINGTON D.C., Sept. 2, 1970
"Today President Robert F. Kennedy signed the CHCA at a televised ceremony, with Senators Mansfield, Scott and Majority Whip Ted Kennedy present, along with Vice President Bush. "The bill I have just signed into law reduces the number of uninsured Americans by over 90%, and I believe we have made an important step in the struggle to end indecent squalor" said the President..."
CHICAGO DA: FBI KILLED UNARMED PANTHERS WITHOUT WARRANT, HOOVER SILENT
CHICAGO, Sept. 5, 1970
“The Chicago District Attorney’s office today charged that the F.B.I. illegally broke and entered during a raid against the Black Panthers last November. Director J. Edgar Hoover has not been seen for the past week, and the Justice Department and the White House have denied foreknowledge of these events. Press Secretary Frank Mankiewicz said yesterday “the President will not comment until all the facts are known.” Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach has ordered an internal Justice Department investigation, but some liberal Democrats are calling for a full public inquiry into alleged FBI abuses.”
“Nick, call Mr. Hoover please. I’d like to have a word with him.” “Bob, he’s reportedly taking an afternoon nap.” “Nick, he’ll have all the time in the world to nap after this.” “You’re not serious?” “Damn right I’m serious. He killed unarmed people without a warrant and with vastly excessive firepower.” “Yes, Right away.”
Phone call between President Kennedy and A.G. Nicholas Katzenbach, Sept. 8
OVAL OFFICE TRANSCRIPT, SEPT. 9 1970
PRESENT: PRESIDENT, FBID HOOVER
KENNEDY: “Mr. Hoover, are you prepared to order an internal investigation into this miscarriage of justice?”
HOOVER: “We acted on an authorization from the Department of Justice.”
KENNEDY: “You mean this directive signed on Nov. 1st of last year? According to this, you were supposed to conduct surveillance only, and there was an explicit injunction against the use of weaponry except in self-defense.”
HOOVER: “They were fired upon…”
KENNEDY: “That’s unknown. What I do know is that they exceeded their orders, shot a pregnant woman four times and killed an unborn child, and killed three others in their beds. Mr. Hoover, I hunt game for sport and wouldn’t use such force on a raccoon, let alone an unarmed woman. There is nothing further to do. Now, call Mr. Sullivan as your relief.”
HOOVER: “Is that an order?”
KENNEDY: “Do I have to make it one?”
HOOVER: “Mr. President, if you wish to relieve me, I will have no choice but to take my files with me.”
KENNEDY: “Those files are government property Mr. Hoover. In any case, they have been secured. I wouldn’t want to be accused of trying to blackmail the President of the United States, if only because…”
CLASSIFIED
HOOVER: “Very well. Good day to you.”
END OF CONVERSATION
KENNEDY SACKS HOOVER, SULLIVAN REPLACEMENT
WASHINGTON D.C., Sept. 14, 1970
“President Robert Kennedy announced the resignation of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover following an internal Justice Department investigation found that Mr. Hoover had exceeded his orders during what is now known as the “Chicago Massacre” of last November. Assistant Director William Sullivan, a longtime ally of the President, has been named as his replacement.”
“They have no idea how screwed up these indictments will become due to Hoover’s fucked-up actions. My mail shows a 10-1 favorable ratio in favor of my decision but it will definitely create problems with the Southerners, who treat him as the Second Coming. I’m looking forward to the midterms, and have to see George Ball before the midterms for reportedly personal reasons.”
RFK Diaries, Oct.28
Midterm elections, Nov. 5, 1970
House results
Democratic: 254 seats (-1)
Republican: 181 seats
Incumbent Speaker: Carl Albert (D-OK)
Senate results
Democratic: 55 seats (+1)
Republican: 45 seats
Incumbent Majority Leader: Mike Mansfield (D-MT)
“Mr. President, my wife has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Ever since the war I’ve been wanting to retire, but wanted to continue serving you.” “George, that’s perfectly understandable, and your resignation is accepted.” “I’ll stay on until you nominate a replacement.” “George, I know exactly who I want to replace you, ever since our last conversation in August. He’s on the NSC staff, and Arthur likes him.” “Who is it?” “You’ll be the first to know George.”
Conversation between President Kennedy and Secretary of State George Ball, Nov. 7
Conversation between President Kennedy and HEW Secretary Abe Ribicoff, June 4
SEALE, BROWN INDICTED ON CONSPIRACY, ARSON
CHICAGO, June 19, 1970
“Today the Illinois Attorney General’s office announced the indictment of Black Panther leaders Bobby Seale and H. Rap Brown on charges of incitement to riot and arson charges dating to the 1968 Democratic convention. Mayor Richard Daley released a statement that “an important step in bringing these criminals to justice has been reached” and the trial will commence in September.
PRES KENNEDY INTRODUCES HEALTH PLAN TO CONGRESS
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 7, 1970
“Today Majority Leader Mike Mansfield introduced the Administration’s healthcare proposal. Titled “Comprehensive Health Coverage Act” or CHCA for short, the proposal would create new corporations known as “health maintenance organizations” to provide employer-based insurance coverage. At the same time, there will be an option for all Americans 60 and older to buy into the Medicare system. The public option reportedly nearly killed the bill, though one Capitol Hill source told the Times’ James Reston “the President said it was our duty to provide coverage to our poorest fellow citizens. How can you oppose it when the President tells you to your face that it is your duty as a patriotic American?”
ADMIN: TROOP WITHDRAWALS TO BE COMPLETED “SHORTLY”
SAIGON, Aug. 12, 1970
“In a surprise visit to Vietnam, President Kennedy reviewed the troops and said “make no mistake about it, South Vietnam will win this war. All of you will be home very shortly.” Currently troop levels are at 50,000 and the Pentagon has said a timetable of between six to eight months will be required to fully end the ground involvement in Southeast Asia. Korean, Australian and Philippine troops are still fighting along with the South Vietnamese forces and are expected to do so for at least another year. President Thieu was also present and praised President Kennedy’s “deft and realistic” handling of the war.”
“Many of them were begging me to announce a firm withdrawal date. That would be like telling a bank robber when the security cameras are offline for maintenance. Absolutely not: a general guideline to satisfy the public, but no more. Healthcare is likely to pass but there are reports of hanky-panky in Chicago.”
RFK Diaries, Aug. 27
PRES KENNEDY SIGNS HEALTHCARE BILL AT CAPITOL
WASHINGTON D.C., Sept. 2, 1970
"Today President Robert F. Kennedy signed the CHCA at a televised ceremony, with Senators Mansfield, Scott and Majority Whip Ted Kennedy present, along with Vice President Bush. "The bill I have just signed into law reduces the number of uninsured Americans by over 90%, and I believe we have made an important step in the struggle to end indecent squalor" said the President..."
CHICAGO DA: FBI KILLED UNARMED PANTHERS WITHOUT WARRANT, HOOVER SILENT
CHICAGO, Sept. 5, 1970
“The Chicago District Attorney’s office today charged that the F.B.I. illegally broke and entered during a raid against the Black Panthers last November. Director J. Edgar Hoover has not been seen for the past week, and the Justice Department and the White House have denied foreknowledge of these events. Press Secretary Frank Mankiewicz said yesterday “the President will not comment until all the facts are known.” Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach has ordered an internal Justice Department investigation, but some liberal Democrats are calling for a full public inquiry into alleged FBI abuses.”
“Nick, call Mr. Hoover please. I’d like to have a word with him.” “Bob, he’s reportedly taking an afternoon nap.” “Nick, he’ll have all the time in the world to nap after this.” “You’re not serious?” “Damn right I’m serious. He killed unarmed people without a warrant and with vastly excessive firepower.” “Yes, Right away.”
Phone call between President Kennedy and A.G. Nicholas Katzenbach, Sept. 8
OVAL OFFICE TRANSCRIPT, SEPT. 9 1970
PRESENT: PRESIDENT, FBID HOOVER
KENNEDY: “Mr. Hoover, are you prepared to order an internal investigation into this miscarriage of justice?”
HOOVER: “We acted on an authorization from the Department of Justice.”
KENNEDY: “You mean this directive signed on Nov. 1st of last year? According to this, you were supposed to conduct surveillance only, and there was an explicit injunction against the use of weaponry except in self-defense.”
HOOVER: “They were fired upon…”
KENNEDY: “That’s unknown. What I do know is that they exceeded their orders, shot a pregnant woman four times and killed an unborn child, and killed three others in their beds. Mr. Hoover, I hunt game for sport and wouldn’t use such force on a raccoon, let alone an unarmed woman. There is nothing further to do. Now, call Mr. Sullivan as your relief.”
HOOVER: “Is that an order?”
KENNEDY: “Do I have to make it one?”
HOOVER: “Mr. President, if you wish to relieve me, I will have no choice but to take my files with me.”
KENNEDY: “Those files are government property Mr. Hoover. In any case, they have been secured. I wouldn’t want to be accused of trying to blackmail the President of the United States, if only because…”
CLASSIFIED
HOOVER: “Very well. Good day to you.”
END OF CONVERSATION
KENNEDY SACKS HOOVER, SULLIVAN REPLACEMENT
WASHINGTON D.C., Sept. 14, 1970
“President Robert Kennedy announced the resignation of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover following an internal Justice Department investigation found that Mr. Hoover had exceeded his orders during what is now known as the “Chicago Massacre” of last November. Assistant Director William Sullivan, a longtime ally of the President, has been named as his replacement.”
“They have no idea how screwed up these indictments will become due to Hoover’s fucked-up actions. My mail shows a 10-1 favorable ratio in favor of my decision but it will definitely create problems with the Southerners, who treat him as the Second Coming. I’m looking forward to the midterms, and have to see George Ball before the midterms for reportedly personal reasons.”
RFK Diaries, Oct.28
Midterm elections, Nov. 5, 1970
House results
Democratic: 254 seats (-1)
Republican: 181 seats
Incumbent Speaker: Carl Albert (D-OK)
Senate results
Democratic: 55 seats (+1)
Republican: 45 seats
Incumbent Majority Leader: Mike Mansfield (D-MT)
“Mr. President, my wife has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Ever since the war I’ve been wanting to retire, but wanted to continue serving you.” “George, that’s perfectly understandable, and your resignation is accepted.” “I’ll stay on until you nominate a replacement.” “George, I know exactly who I want to replace you, ever since our last conversation in August. He’s on the NSC staff, and Arthur likes him.” “Who is it?” “You’ll be the first to know George.”
Conversation between President Kennedy and Secretary of State George Ball, Nov. 7
"Down?" You mean up, don't you? Don't worry, you might get to see why the Dems did well to have their leading Northern social conservative in the Oval Office.
Don't worry, you might get to see why the Dems did well to have their leading Northern social conservative in the Oval Office.“Has he arrived yet?” “In a few minutes Mr. President, but these hearings are going to be a tough one.” “I don’t think so Fred, but you can leave now.” “Yes Mr. President.”
President Kennedy to Chief of Staff Fred Dutton
OVAL OFFICE TRANSCRIPT, NOV. 9, 1970
PRESENT: POTUS, KATZENJAMMER
KENNEDY: “Dr. Kissinger, I only have one question. Would you like to replace George Ball at State? I know you’re the man I want at Foggy Bottom.”
KISSINGER: “Mr. President, you’re aware I consulted with both Nixon and Humphrey during the campaign?”
KENNEDY: “Doesn’t matter to me. I knew you before they did, back in the old days. If you want the job, State’s yours for the taking. I want someone who’s apolitical and whom I can trust completely. I like people who defy convention and connive, and that’s in your favor.”
KISSINGER: “We are agreed then. As long as I consult with Mr. Bundy and General Taylor, and there are no White House leaks.”
KENNEDY: “I’ll notify Bill Fulbright so you can be on the job before Christmas. Look forward to working with you.”
END OF TRANSCRIPT
PRES KENNEDY NOMS KISSINGER FOR STATE
WASHINGTON D.C., Nov. 10, 1970
“Today President Robert F. Kennedy nominated N.S.C. European Affairs Chairman Dr. Henry A. Kissinger to succeed outgoing Secretary of State George Ball. The President said “Dr. Kissinger’s long experience in diplomacy and the National Security Council will make him an excellent Secretary.” Senate Foreign Relations Chairman William Fulbright (D-AR) has promised speedy confirmation hearings, and confirmation is likely within the next two weeks.”
President Kennedy announcing Henry Kissinger's nomination as Secretary of State, Nov. 9
Chilean presidential election, Nov. 12, 1970
(NP) Jorge Allesandri: 40.4%
(UP) Salvador Allende: 38.7%
(CD) Radomiro Tomic: 21.1%
Incumbent President: Eduardo Frei (CD)
President-elect: Jorge Allesandri (NP)
“Latin America is fairly unstable and I’m very happy A. won in Chile. Otherwise I would’ve given Dick Helms a nod for the Chilean JCS to exercise their discretion. Argentina’s royally fucked and I think everything should be done to keep Peron out of there, but that’s for another day. Now that Kissinger’s in State, there will be no more hand-wringing about taking the gloves off.”
RFK Diaries, Nov. 29
SADAT ASSN’D, MILITARY SEIZES POWER
CAIRO, Dec. 25, 1970
“Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat was assassinated during a routine drive from the presidential palace to Army General Headquarters by a Muslim Brotherhood member. While the President was waving to the throng, four shots in rapid succession hit Sadat in the head, the lower neck and abdomen. He was pronounced dead on arrival to Cairo General Hospital. Shortly thereafter the military, led by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ahmad Ali and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Hosni Mubarak, seized power and dissolved the National Assembly. So far the Administration has said “we are monitoring the situation closely.” President Kennedy’s whereabouts are currently unknown, though some reports suggest he is at Camp David with the Secretaries of State and Defense…”
“Had a long session from 4 P.M. to roughly midnight with K, B, T, and W regarding the Egyptian crisis. Israel’s mobilizing very quickly and I’ve ordered the Sixth Fleet to DefCon 2. Spoke to Brezhnev, who agreed that we must prevent another war from breaking out over there. He’s sent word to the junta, which is divided between pro-US pragmatists (Mubarak) and Communist hardliners that any preemptive strike on Israel would result in them being cut off without a penny of aid or equipment. Under no circumstances should we send ground forces into that region. In my opinion it, hasn’t changed that much since I went there nearly a quarter-century ago.”
RFK Diaries, Dec. 27
OVAL OFFICE TRANSCRIPTS, JAN.11, 1971
PRESENT: POTUS, KATZENJAMMER, IVY
KENNEDY: “Tell me, how’s the project coming along?”
KISSINGER: “Our Oriental project or the Kush project?”
KENNEDY: “Both. I’ve never understood why we didn’t try to get India at the beginning and preempt Nehru and Mrs. Gandhi’s pro-Soviet line.”
BUNDY: “Somewhat more complicated than that. There are many of us in the foreign policy community, as Henry would agree, that support a rapprochement with India. China’s a much trickier project. You’d have to contact them through Bhutto or Ceausescu, because they haven’t spoken to us in twenty years, as you well know Mr. President.”
KISSINGER: “India’s easier, because we have average relations and an embassy in New Delhi. Not so for China, and you would have to go there personally Mr. President. Forgive me for saying so…”
KENNEDY: “I would be in knee-high water just before the ’72 campaign, and I’d need a blowout mandate in order to achieve those goals. Therefore, we will do India this year and go to China in 1973. There won’t be an embassy established on my watch unless the Supremes strike down the 22nd Amendment, but they’ll remember me as the man who went to China.
KISSINGER: China can help us enormously in Vietnam, as you’re aware Mr. President…”
KENNEDY: “We’ve settled this issue. I’ll invite Mrs. Gandhi for talks. Not a formal pageant, because the more formal a summit, the less work done has been my experience.”
KISSINGER: “I agree with you completely.”
END OF TRANSCRIPT
“All our ground troops are out of Vietnam, while ROK, ANZAC and Philippine troops will stay for another year before they’re pulled out by their governments. Air units are still based in Thailand and PI and we will respond with full force if DRV tries again, but no more ground involvement. What I want is a Korea-type solution, which has worked very well for the past seventeen years. Nick tells me that there’s going to be an abortion ruling very soon from the SC. If they rule state jurisdiction, I will ask the NY Democrats on the QT to override Nelson’s veto of a new abortion ban. If federal, I will say we will respect the Court’s decision, but the way it’s configured now, shouldn’t get that ruling.”
RFK Diaries, Feb. 6
President Kennedy with longtime rival New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and wife Happy at a White House dinner, Feb. 2
President Kennedy to Chief of Staff Fred Dutton
OVAL OFFICE TRANSCRIPT, NOV. 9, 1970
PRESENT: POTUS, KATZENJAMMER
KENNEDY: “Dr. Kissinger, I only have one question. Would you like to replace George Ball at State? I know you’re the man I want at Foggy Bottom.”
KISSINGER: “Mr. President, you’re aware I consulted with both Nixon and Humphrey during the campaign?”
KENNEDY: “Doesn’t matter to me. I knew you before they did, back in the old days. If you want the job, State’s yours for the taking. I want someone who’s apolitical and whom I can trust completely. I like people who defy convention and connive, and that’s in your favor.”
KISSINGER: “We are agreed then. As long as I consult with Mr. Bundy and General Taylor, and there are no White House leaks.”
KENNEDY: “I’ll notify Bill Fulbright so you can be on the job before Christmas. Look forward to working with you.”
END OF TRANSCRIPT
PRES KENNEDY NOMS KISSINGER FOR STATE
WASHINGTON D.C., Nov. 10, 1970
“Today President Robert F. Kennedy nominated N.S.C. European Affairs Chairman Dr. Henry A. Kissinger to succeed outgoing Secretary of State George Ball. The President said “Dr. Kissinger’s long experience in diplomacy and the National Security Council will make him an excellent Secretary.” Senate Foreign Relations Chairman William Fulbright (D-AR) has promised speedy confirmation hearings, and confirmation is likely within the next two weeks.”
President Kennedy announcing Henry Kissinger's nomination as Secretary of State, Nov. 9
Chilean presidential election, Nov. 12, 1970
(NP) Jorge Allesandri: 40.4%
(UP) Salvador Allende: 38.7%
(CD) Radomiro Tomic: 21.1%
Incumbent President: Eduardo Frei (CD)
President-elect: Jorge Allesandri (NP)
“Latin America is fairly unstable and I’m very happy A. won in Chile. Otherwise I would’ve given Dick Helms a nod for the Chilean JCS to exercise their discretion. Argentina’s royally fucked and I think everything should be done to keep Peron out of there, but that’s for another day. Now that Kissinger’s in State, there will be no more hand-wringing about taking the gloves off.”
RFK Diaries, Nov. 29
SADAT ASSN’D, MILITARY SEIZES POWER
CAIRO, Dec. 25, 1970
“Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat was assassinated during a routine drive from the presidential palace to Army General Headquarters by a Muslim Brotherhood member. While the President was waving to the throng, four shots in rapid succession hit Sadat in the head, the lower neck and abdomen. He was pronounced dead on arrival to Cairo General Hospital. Shortly thereafter the military, led by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ahmad Ali and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Hosni Mubarak, seized power and dissolved the National Assembly. So far the Administration has said “we are monitoring the situation closely.” President Kennedy’s whereabouts are currently unknown, though some reports suggest he is at Camp David with the Secretaries of State and Defense…”
“Had a long session from 4 P.M. to roughly midnight with K, B, T, and W regarding the Egyptian crisis. Israel’s mobilizing very quickly and I’ve ordered the Sixth Fleet to DefCon 2. Spoke to Brezhnev, who agreed that we must prevent another war from breaking out over there. He’s sent word to the junta, which is divided between pro-US pragmatists (Mubarak) and Communist hardliners that any preemptive strike on Israel would result in them being cut off without a penny of aid or equipment. Under no circumstances should we send ground forces into that region. In my opinion it, hasn’t changed that much since I went there nearly a quarter-century ago.”
RFK Diaries, Dec. 27
OVAL OFFICE TRANSCRIPTS, JAN.11, 1971
PRESENT: POTUS, KATZENJAMMER, IVY
KENNEDY: “Tell me, how’s the project coming along?”
KISSINGER: “Our Oriental project or the Kush project?”
KENNEDY: “Both. I’ve never understood why we didn’t try to get India at the beginning and preempt Nehru and Mrs. Gandhi’s pro-Soviet line.”
BUNDY: “Somewhat more complicated than that. There are many of us in the foreign policy community, as Henry would agree, that support a rapprochement with India. China’s a much trickier project. You’d have to contact them through Bhutto or Ceausescu, because they haven’t spoken to us in twenty years, as you well know Mr. President.”
KISSINGER: “India’s easier, because we have average relations and an embassy in New Delhi. Not so for China, and you would have to go there personally Mr. President. Forgive me for saying so…”
KENNEDY: “I would be in knee-high water just before the ’72 campaign, and I’d need a blowout mandate in order to achieve those goals. Therefore, we will do India this year and go to China in 1973. There won’t be an embassy established on my watch unless the Supremes strike down the 22nd Amendment, but they’ll remember me as the man who went to China.
KISSINGER: China can help us enormously in Vietnam, as you’re aware Mr. President…”
KENNEDY: “We’ve settled this issue. I’ll invite Mrs. Gandhi for talks. Not a formal pageant, because the more formal a summit, the less work done has been my experience.”
KISSINGER: “I agree with you completely.”
END OF TRANSCRIPT
“All our ground troops are out of Vietnam, while ROK, ANZAC and Philippine troops will stay for another year before they’re pulled out by their governments. Air units are still based in Thailand and PI and we will respond with full force if DRV tries again, but no more ground involvement. What I want is a Korea-type solution, which has worked very well for the past seventeen years. Nick tells me that there’s going to be an abortion ruling very soon from the SC. If they rule state jurisdiction, I will ask the NY Democrats on the QT to override Nelson’s veto of a new abortion ban. If federal, I will say we will respect the Court’s decision, but the way it’s configured now, shouldn’t get that ruling.”
RFK Diaries, Feb. 6
President Kennedy with longtime rival New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and wife Happy at a White House dinner, Feb. 2