TLS as president, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, White House letterhead, June 26, 1961. Letter to General Maxwell Taylor, labeled “Secret” at the top and bottom of the page. In full: “In confirmation of our conversation of this date, upon your assumption of the position of Military Representative to the President I would like you to undertake the functions generally outlined in the enclosure of this letter. As immediate tasks thereunder, please take the following actions:
“a. Assure the chairmanship of the present 5412 Committee as my representative.
“b. Review the planning being done on Berlin and submit to me your comments and recommendations.
“c. Review the planning on Vietnam and give me your comments thereon, along with your views on how to respond to President Diem’s request for a 100,000 man increase in his army.
“In undertaking these actions, you will wish to confer with the officials responsible for the planning for critical areas such as Southeast Asia and Berlin. With regards to Berlin, I am sure that you are aware of the important assistance being rendered by Mr. Dean Acheson with whom you should meet at an early date.” In fine condition, with staple holes to top left, and a bit of scattered light toning.
This once highly classified letter is a history lesson in the making—focusing on the Berlin Wall, the Vietnam War, and a veil of secrecy behind which only an anointed few could once peer. The NSC 5412/2 Special Group, often referred simply as the Special Group, was an initially secret, but later public, subcommittee of the United States National Security Council responsible for coordinating covert government operations. Shortly after the disastrous events at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba, and citing a lack of confidence in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kennedy recalled Taylor to active duty and appointed him as his military representative. In placing him on the committee, Kennedy expected the high-ranking officer to be the “eyes and ears” of the president.
This letter reveals exactly what the Kennedy Administration expected from Taylor in his new role. At the time, the USSR had only recently erected the Berlin Wall in Germany, separating East from West, following Cold War demands that US and allied troops leave West Berlin. At the same time, the war in Vietnam continued to rage and the Kennedy Administration was, as mentioned here, increasing US forces in southeast Asia as well as considering a request from the president of South Vietnam to have US troops train Vietnamese officers and specialists. Taylor’s role in covert operations later took a more public face when he was named chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1962. A “For Your Eyes Only” peek into a tumultuous period in American history. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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