Vietnam: A Television History; Interview with Melvin R. Laird, 1981

Item Information

Title:
Vietnam: A Television History; Interview with Melvin R. Laird, 1981
Description:
Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1972, and domestic advisor to President Nixon from 1973 to 1974, Melvin Laird is best known for coining the term "Vietnamization." Laird discusses the pressure he felt for troop withdrawal under President Nixon and the idea that it was time for South Vietnam to be handed the tools to defend their country and let the Americans withdraw. Laird also talks about the Cambodian bombing in 1969 and the fact that while he agreed with the act of bombing, he disagreed with the plan to keep it secret. He also talks about his disagreements with Henry Kissinger and the tension he felt while working with him.
Author:
Laird, Melvin R.
Date:
June 3, 1981
Format:
Film/Video
Location:
WGBH
Collection (local):
American Archive of Public Broadcasting Collection
Series:
WGBH > Vietnam: A Television History
Subjects:
Global Affairs
War and Conflict
Vietnam--History--1945-1975
Vietnam (Democratic Republic)
Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Influence
Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Cambodia
Military assistance, American
Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
United States--History--1945-
United States--Politics and government
Draft
Vietnam (Republic)
Morale
Vietnam--Politics and government
Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Protest movements
Vietnam War, 1961-197--Campaigns--Laos
United States--History, Military--20th century
Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Public opinion
Extent:
00:31:41
Link to Item:
https://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-15-2v2c824g79
Terms of Use:
Rights status not evaluated.
Contact host institution for more information.
Publisher:
WGBH Educational Foundation