Source: The Pentagon Papers, Gravel Edition, Volume 2, p. 749
STATE 458, 22 September 1963
EYES ONLY FOR AMBASSADOR LODGE FROM BALL
Understand desire for guidance expressed your 577. Pending further review of situation by President which will follow your consultation with McNamara and Taylor we wish to give you following interim guidance:
1. The United States intends to continue its efforts to assist the Vietnamese
people in their struggle against the Viet Cong.
2. Recent events have put in question the possibility of success in these efforts
unless there can be important improvements in the government of South Vietnam.
3. It is the policy of the United States to bring about such improvements. Further
specific guidance on your meeting with Diem being developed here and will be
subject further consultation with you. In any event the President believes object
of this meeting should be to increase your authority and leverage with Diem
government. In meantime CAP 63516 still represents Washington's current thinking
on specifics. A possible Presidential letter to Diem is in preparation and will
be forwarded for your comments before a decision on delivery.