{Vietnam}[6th May 1970]

[Redbook1:150-151][19700506:2205]{Vietnam}[6th May 1970]

10.05pm

            At one time I fully supported the Americans in Vietnam.  I still support their declared aims; but the means outweigh them in the balance.  Whatever the horrors of Communist life -- and they are horrors, I do believe, in South-east Asia -- this great horror has gone on long enough.  The number of civilians killed by accident or intentionally in South Vietnam by the American forces must now be comparable to the number who would have been executed by the Communists.  Similarly, the degree of suffering cannot be much less than it would have been.  The war has cost America far more in money, in tied-up forces, in world-image, in internal trouble and in potential citizens than could ever have been gained by keeping South Vietnam under the Western influence and than could possibly be regained now even were America to succeed.  If the people are to die either way, as seems likely, let it be the communist forces and not the Western ones, the Christian ones, that do the killing.  If this Cambodian offensive fails, or if it has not succeeded by the date set, then for God's sake pull out and let us have no more of this.

            Otherwise, I fear for the integrity of America.

            ‘Don't worry; we know you did your best.  We also know how hard it is to admit defeat, especially for a nation that imagines itself to be unbeatable.  We shan't despise you for being unsuccessful in a war where not to win is to be defeated -- for your side; in fact, on the whole, we shall like you rather better for it.’

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