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NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506 November 8, 1968 To: Walt Rostow From: Robert N. Ginsburgh Attached is my nine-volume historical project on the March 31st speech. Volume 1 contains a preface and the summary account. Here are the key questions which need to be answered to flesh out the account: 1. On February 11, the President was thinking of sending Vance to visit Saigon. That evening, Wheeler informed Westmoreland that he might be visiting Westmoreland in a few days. On the 13th, Vance was still under consideration. - Was the thought that both Wheeler and Vance would go to Saigon? - At what point was General Taylor being considered an emi ssary? - When did the President decide that Vance would not go? the 13th? why? 2. On February 17, the President urgently wished to receive recommendations from Rusk and Clifford for a program for the most effective use of airpower a gainst North Vietnam. - What disspelled the President's sense of urgency? 3. What were the reasons for the President's being initially upset by General Wheeler's troop recommendations? Unexpected size of the requirements? Manner of presentation? Defense opposition? Leaks?