Public official. As U.S. secretary of state from 1961–1969, he supported U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, The University of Georgia School of Law letterhead, June 15, 1992. Interesting letter with great content from a Vietnam War proponent. In part: “I derive the greatest satisfaction from the knowledge that I at least helped to bring about more than 46 years since a nuclear weapon has been fired in anger…I doubt very much that the Vietnam struggle would have ended more quickly had it been left totally in the hands of the generals. The civilian input was represented by the development of certain rules of engagement with which the generals were in full agreement. These rules of engagement were designed primarily to prevent unnecessary civilian casualties. It is simply not true that civilian control tied the the hands of our military in such a way as to prolong the war or to lead to the negative handling of the struggle. Let me thank you for your own service in Vietnam and for your continued interest in trying to sort out the many pieces in that complex situation.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition. R&R COA.
