PERSONS/ENTITIES:
KENNEDY, John F.
HELMS (DD/P)
COLBY, William
CARTER
LODGE, Henry Cabot
HARKINS (MAC/V)

DATES:
27 Aug. 1963

CATEGORIES:
TOP SECRET

OCCURRENCE:
On August 27, 1963, there was a Presidential Meeting on Vietnam. The record was taken by HELMS or by COLBY for the CIA, and the other CIA participants were CARTER and HELMS.

"The PRESIDENT stated that a coup should not be attempted unless it would be successful and asked whether we could turn back at this point. The PRESIDENT asked that the judgment of LODGE and HARKINS be sought on the prospects for victory or defeat of a coup. A cable was drafted asking if they still agreed with their concurrences to DEPTEL 243." (9-10)

SOURCE:
I.G. REPORT 1967, Part C, pp. 9-10

STAFF:
Dawson

DATE:
28.6.75

FILE:

DEPTEL 243
DEPTEL 256
KENNEDY, John F.
LODGE, Henry Cabot
HARKINS, John (Commander, MAC/V)

DATES:
27 Aug. 1963

CATEGORIES:
TOP SECRET

OCCURRENCE:
In a State telegram to Saigon (DEPTEL 256), on August 27, 1963, the following message appeared:

"Examination of reports to date gives considerable hope but leaves unanswered questions. ... Proceeding from the concept outlined in DEPTEL 243 as modified, now desire your prompt interim appraisal of present prospects. ... Highest authority asks whether you and HARKINS, in light of developing situation, presently favor operation as currently planned by generals. We wish to give you all possible support in best available course but not to insist on any decision that developing evidence makes it wise to modify." (10)

SOURCE:
I.G. REPORT 1967, Part C, p. 10

STAFF:
Dawson

FILE: