Vietnam War-dated ANS as president signed “L.,” one page, 8 x 10.5, White House letterhead, April 26, 1965. Handwritten note in pencil to his White House aide Dick Goodwin, responding to letter sent to him by Kenneth T. Young, Jr. of The Asia Society. In full: "Dick—Show this to some of your columnist friends interested in Asia. Perhaps Max Friedman." In fine condition, with staple holes to the upper left corner. Accompanied by Todd's letter to Johnson.
Kenneth Todd Young has served as United States Ambassador to Thailand under President Kennedy from 1961-63, and here praises Johnson's recent 'Peace Without Conquest' address at Johns Hopkins University. Young writes: "Now, for the first time, we have a full Presidential pronouncement on Southeast Asia with a breadth of vision and depth of focus. For this Easter you have resurrected a new and better way beyond the bomb line towards peace and justice…I agree with your policy that we should be prepared to talk and fight unconditionally as long as necessary to obtain our objectives. I am glad to see your options and your room for maneuver widened by seizing inseparable political and military initiatives. It was also timely to define our objective of an independent, free, neutral and guaranteed South Vietnam. Peace goals and military operations are meshed. Your proposals for the Southeast Asians and the United Nations to take the initiative in bolder and wider cooperative efforts for development excited and pleased me very much…Your speech now provides us with a splendid platform to further your ideas and policies to solidify public opinion in order to reinforce your hand and optimize your options." Young encloses a four-page memorandum summarizing Vice President Johnson's 1961 visit to Southeast Asia, which Young recognizes as having planted the seeds of Johnson's later policies. A significant Vietnam War piece, highlighted by Johnson's scarce autograph as president.
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