CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- SENATE

October 17, 1967

Page 29163

SECRETARY RUSK'S STATEMENT ON VIETNAM

Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, last week Secretary of State Rusk stated clearly and concisely the reasons why our Nation is engaged in Vietnam.

Mr. Rusk did not attempt to minimize the problems Vietnam has caused the United States. He pointed out that Americans are an impatient people, and that it is not easy for our people to wage a struggle by limited means for limited objectives. He said that the present impatience about Vietnam is thoroughly understandable.

As the debate over Vietnam continues in our country, it appears that the issue centers on variation of a single theme. I am persuaded that this is the case. That theme is a central position resting upon the following considerations:

First. The pursuit of our limited objectives by limited means.

Second. The need to meet our commitments and defend our vital national interests.

Third. Our earnest desire to bring this conflict to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible.

Our enemies should not misunderstand the character of this debate. Secretary Rusk made this point very clear. But it is a point which will be valid for as long as debate over Vietnam continues. Our system of government not only tolerates debate, but encourages it. Our conflicting views will continue to receive widespread attention throughout the world. Friends and enemies alike in other countries may be encouraged to equate dissent in the United States with a lack of resolve. This could lead to miscalculations which in turn could lead to actions or responses of tragic proportions.

As the Secretary said, there is no significant body of American opinion which would have us withdraw from Vietnam and abandon Southeast Asia to the dictates of Asian communism. I also share his view that there is no significant opinion among us which wishes to transform this struggle into a general war. This is a message of vital importance to world peace.