PowerPoint Presentation

George Aiken (R-Vermont), 19 Oct. 1966

Speaker John McCormack: My thought would be that you and I and Passman and whoever you wanted in from the [State] Department would get together down at the White House.President Kennedy: Right, right.McCormack: And it doesnt actually [have to] be at the White House.President Kennedy: Right, right.McCormack: I think the psychological effect, dont you see?President Kennedy: Right. I dont know what my psychology would be these days on Otto, but . . .-------------------President Johnson (to Speaker McCormack): Now, I dont think this man knows much about our country, and notwithstanding his great facility with figures, I think hes got a real mental problem. Thats what I think. [Break.]President Johnson: I justAs far as Im concerned, I dont want Mr. Passman providing protection for my children, because I dont think in the swamps of Louisiana, hes got that much information or knowledge or wisdom.

Hickenlooper amendment (1962)

The President shall suspend assistance to the government of any countryto which assistance is provided under this chapter or any other Act when the government of such country or any government agency or subdivision within suchcountry on or after January 1, 1962--

has nationalized or expropriated or seized ownership or control of property owned by any United States citizen or by any corporation, partnership, or association not less than 50 per centum beneficially owned by United States citizens, or

has taken steps to repudiate or nullify existing contracts or agreements with any United States citizen or any corporation, partnership, or association not less than 50 per centum beneficially owned by United States citizens, or

has imposed or enforced discriminatory taxes or other exactions, or restrictive maintenance or operational conditions, or has taken other actions, which have the effect of nationalizing, expropriating, or otherwise seizing ownership or control of property so owned.

Morse amendment (1963)

Terminates all Alliance for Progress aid to any country in which the government . . . has come to power as the result of a forceable overthrow of a prior government which has been chosen in free and democratic elections.

8 Nov. 1963It seems to me most essential that we make crystal clear to the Vietnamese government and to our own people that while we will go to great lengths to help, the primary responsibility rests with the Vietnamese. Our role is and must remain secondary in present circumstances. It is their country, their future which is most at stake, not ours.

Unless the government of South Vietnam abandons policies of repression against its own people and makes a determined and effective effort to regain their support, military and economic assistance to that government should not be continued.

I am really not very well- informed about this area . . . It would seem to be very interesting if I knew something about it.--Hubert Humphrey

I never heard the least suggestion of any kind of a conflict between the religions in Vietnam . . . [and wonder] whether [Buddhist protesters] were subject to drugs or other dulling or deadening devices, hypnosis or other types of human control. --Bourke Hickenlooper

No assistance shall be provided under this or any other act, and no sales shall be made under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, to any country which the President determines is engaging in or preparing for aggressive military efforts directed against the United States (or) any country receiving assistance under this or any other act, (or) any country to which sales are made under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, until the President determines that such military efforts or preparations have ceased and he reports to the Congress that he has received assurances satisfactory to him that such military efforts or preparations will not be renewed. This restriction may not be waived pursuant to any authority contained in this act.

Albert Thomas: Have you got the language in front of you?President Johnson: Yes, sir, Ive got it front of me. And it oughtnt to be in there. Its just a damnThomas: [hurriedly reading] Agency or national in connection with the purchase . . . [etc.].President Johnson: Thats right.Thomas: Or national except when the President determines that such guarantees would be in the national interest.President Johnson: Thats all rightperiod.Thomas: And reports eachPresident Johnson: No, no! No! Period, after national interest.Thomas: I know, but read your language further. And reports each determination.President Johnson: [loudly] Why should I want to report to everybody that I screwed a girl? You screwed one last night, but you dont want to report it.Thomas: [slyly] I wish I did.President Johnson: Well, you know what Im talking about. That made it come home to you, didnt it?Thomas: Well, it aint going toPresident Johnson: Well, dont you think Im a damned idiot, now.Thomas: Now, nowPresident Johnson: WellThomas: Now, now, now, now. Of course not. But I dont think its going to hamstring you a bit onPresident Johnson: It doesnt hamstring me. It just publicizes that Im pro-Russian right when [Richard] Nixons running against me.

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