Description:

Two Lyndon B. Johnson Incredibly Important Vietnam Letters to Socialist Norman Thomas

A pair of two typed letters from President Lyndon Johnson discussing the means to ending the conflict in Vietnam, addressed to Norman Thomas (1884-1968) of the Socialist Party of America. 2p, both measuring 6.75" x 8.875", Washington, D.C., dated March 23 and 29, 1965. Each boldly signed as "Lyndon B. Johnson" and written on White House stationery. Accompanied by two photocopies of the letters sent to the President by Thomas, dated March 16 and March 23, respectively. Flattened folds, with minor creasing along top edge. Else, near fine- foreshadowing the increased escalation of mid-1965 caused by tensions with Hanoi!

On March 16, 1965, Thomas wrote to the President following his address to Congress the day before in response to the events in Selma, Alabama, describing the speech as a "historic landmark in American progress toward fulfillment of our highest ideals." He then goes on to compare Johnson's handling of Civil Rights in America with how to better address the ongoing conflict in Vietnam. In part:

"…I know the differences but there is the same need for an end of violence. I recognize that North Vietnam has been playing an aggressive role against all the successive military governments of South Vietnam. But have not we also been intervening massively in an essentially civil war, and in the long run doing more to strengthen communism's general position in the world than to weaken it?... We need the kind of leadership out of this mess that you are giving to the end of racial conflict in America."

Johnson's response of the 23rd reads in part:

"On Vietnam, we have made it clear-- again and again-- that we are prepared and willing to return American Forces immediately, if Hanoi will leave the free peoples of South Vietnam alone. We have listened attentively-- and searched without ceasing-- for any clue that Hanoi is interested in discussing this. Thus far, there has been no such sign or signal. Without such evidence of substance for negotiation, it remains a serious and awesome responsibility to suggest convening "a court of last resort" which might fail-- and leave the world with the alternative which we strive to tirelessly to avoid.
In all that we do, abroad and at home, our only purpose is peace for man-- and I pray earnestly for the wisdom to succeed in this unending effort."

Thomas' response of the 25th, while shorter in length, poses the direct question of a cease-fire, to which the President replies on the 29th: "I… want you to know that we are-- and shall continue-- searching for peace by every sure honorable means. I pray, as you do, that our search will succeed."

Norman Thomas was an American Presbyterian minister who achieved fame as a socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America. By 1965, the then 81-year-old had already established himself as an early and outspoken critic of America's escalating involvement in Vietnam. Indeed, Thomas was unafraid to voice his opinions on a ceasefire, notably using his highly publicized 80th birthday party the year before as a political platform.

In the month prior to Johnson and Thomas' correspondence, the United States had begun an eight-week-long bombing campaign over North Vietnam known as Operation Rolling Thunder. As a result, Johnson's vision for the war became clear: to change tactics from defensive to offensive operations. That March, the President approved an increase in logistical troops of 18,000 to 20,000, as well as the deployment of two additional Marine battalions and a Marine air squadron. By mid-June, the total U.S. ground forces in Vietnam had increased to 82,000, or by 150 percent.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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