In the administration’s first hundred days, Vietnam was not regarded as a trouble spot (Herring, 84). In fact, Kennedy later complained that “Ike never briefed me about Vietnam” (Schlesinger, 320). Only after reading a memorandum by General Edward Lansdale, Kennedy finally learned about the growing insurgency and the increasing problems with Diem. Lansdale further advised that with a “major American effort”, the threat of a Communist take over would be defeated (Herring, 84).
John F. Kennedy warned the nation in January 1961, “Our problems are critical”. The tide is unfavorable. The news will be worse before it is better.” This was a theme Kennedy referred to in his campaign, which also set the tone for his administration (Herring, 81).
Kennedy, who had previously joined in attacks against President Truman, for “losing” China, took a personal interest in Vietnam. He had once labeled Vietnam as the “cornerstone of the free world in Southeast Asia, and was quite concerned about the political damage that could be done if Vietnam fell to Communism. Therefore, he was unwilling to be the President who let Vietnam fall (Herring, 83).
May 23, 1961: Vice President Lyndon Johnson returns to the U.S. from his visit in Southeast Asia, and reports to JFK that the U.S. must either help the countries of Southeast Asia or pull back its defenses. (Mike Zalonznyy)
June 16, 1961: Kennedy and Diem meet, the U.S. agrees to increase the number of American advisors to Vietnam from 340 to 805. The commitment places prestige of the JFK administration behind the efforts in Vietnam. (Mike Zalonznyy)
President Kennedy in 1961
Photo Courtesy of the John Fitzgerald Library
PRESIDENT KENNEDY'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS, JANUARY 20, 1961
PRESIDENT KENNEDY'S LETTER TO NGO DINH DIEM, DECEMBER 14, 1961