JFK describes "The Unthinkable" -- "The High Cabal"

[Greg Burnham]

Greg; in reading rfk by Evan Thomas..for a time rfk thought mcgeorge bundy as traitorous, for how readily he transferred his allegiance to lbj, along with some others, they eventually it seems worked it out after rfk blew up and settled the matter later on...b

Hi Bernice,

I've never found the transfer of allegiance to LBJ suspect, in and of itself. IF (and it's a very big IF) there was nothing "out of sorts" about the untimely demise of a former leader, then the swift transfer of allegiance to his successor is not only absolutely appropriate, in my view, it is also desirable...the sooner the better. Such a shift in allegiance is, understandably, a dicey affair even in the best of circumstances. So, on its face I don't find the shift in allegiance suspect, although I acknowledge the temptation to see it as such.

However, the swift change in policy that was, at the very least, penned--perhaps even initiated--by McGeorge Bundy less than 24 hours before JFK's death (in the DRAFT of NSAM 273), speaks volumes. That LBJ actually signed the final version (containing few modifications of merit compared to the original draft) IS suspect, in my view.

It is also interesting to note that Section 4 of the draft [below] was eliminated from the final version. Why? Because it had already served its purpose: "Damage Control" -- just in case. It is the only part that is not clearly referencing Vietnam. In light of what happened the next day... :angeldevil:

Section 4 of NSAM 273 (DRAFT)

4. It is of the highest importance that the United States Government avoid either the appearance or the reality of public recrimination from one part of it against another, and the President expects that all senior officers of the Government will take energetic steps to insure that they and their subordinates go out of their way to maintain and to defend the unity of the United States Government both here and in the field.

Huh? Of what is McBundy afraid? They just concluded TOP SECRET meetings regarding Vietnam Policy in Hawaii at the Honolulu Conference. These meetings were TOP SECRET. What is he afraid of here? Why is there an instruction going out to the top administration officials, members of congress, and others that advises them of the above? It can't be as a result of what was discussed in Hawaii about Vietnam can it? Of course not! These were TOP SECRET meetings that had taken place less than 24 hours earlier.

The next day JFK was dead. Four days later LBJ signed NSAM 273 MINUS the above Section 4. Like I said, it had already served its purpose.