Vietnam: A Television History; Interview with Frederick G. Dutton, 1981
Description:
Fred Dutton was Special Assistant to US President John F. Kennedy at the time President Kennedy considered committing resources to Vietnam. He characterizes Kennedy as a cautious man, but one who for strategic reasons wanted to stem the spread of communism in Asia. However, Dutton says this was far down Kennedy's list of priorities, well below domestic issues. Dutton is critical of those who would take Vietnam out of the context of all other issues faced by the President, such as the need to appear strong following the Bay of Pigs. He also discusses the thinking behind the President's appointing Averell Harriman to coordinate Southeast Asia policy at the State Department.
