84 / 230
“JOHNSON IS . . . RESPONSIBLE” FOR FLAWS IN
THE OPERATION OFTHEWAR
120
●
FORD, GERALD R. Typed Letter Signed, “Jerry Ford,” as House Minority
Leader, to Thomas J. McFarland, urging him to elect a Congress to correct the failures of
President Johnson. 1 page, 4to,“Office of the Minority Leader” stationery; faint dampstain-
ing at folds verso, horizontal folds. (TFC)
Washington, 12 October 1966
[100/200]
“
. . . As you know, President Johnson is not only setting the policy relative to the War in
Vietnam but is also determining the day-to-day operation of the war. He is, therefore, responsi-
ble for the fact that we do not make use of forces of Nationalist China in our struggle against
Communist aggression.
“
Likewise, the operation of the Selective Service System is under the direction of the Executive
Branch . . . . It is regrettable that certain individuals . . . have been able to get special consideration. . . .”
VIETNAM:“I DO NOT THINK MR. JOHNSON HAS
MANAGEDTHE WAR . . .WELL”
121
●
FORD, GERALD R. Typed Letter Signed, “Jerry Ford,” as House Minority
Leader, to Thomas E. Gaertner, thanking him for sending a report on Latin America,
explaining how he believes the war inVietnam should be managed, and expressing his con-
cern about Communist activity in the U.S. and the U.S. commitment to certain treaties. 1
page, 4to, “Office of the Minority Leader” stationery; horizontal folds. With the original
envelope. (TFC)
Washington, 13 March 1967
[300/400]
“
. . . I, too, defend the principal of our policy in Vietnam; i.e., to halt Communist aggression.
However, as you know, I do not think Mr. Johnson has managed the war there as well as he
should. It seems to me we must cut off the flow of supplies into Vietnam and use our sea and
air power to the very best advantage. I am opposed to getting bogged down in a massive land
war such as we seem to be doing. . . .
“
I agree thoroughly that the Senate must analyze fully all implications of the American-Soviet
Consular Treaty. I share many of the misgivings indicated by the minority on the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations.”
MY LAI MASSACRE MAY BE COMMUNIST PROPAGANDA
122
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FORD, GERALD R. Typed Letter Signed, “Jerry,” as House Minority Leader, to
Edward C. Hornburg (“Dear Ed”), addressing his questions on various topics, including
corruption in government, the authority of the President to conduct war inVietnam, fund-
ing for interstate highways, Communist propaganda, the procedure to elect the Speaker of
the House, tax reform, draft-dodging in the President’s family, and the “epidemic” of
demonstrations on college campuses. 2 pages, 4to, “Office of the Minority Leader” sta-
tionery, written on two separate sheets; horizontal folds. (TFC)
Washington, 23 December 1969
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“
. . .All of us are concerned with the various reports of misconduct on the part of public officials.
. . . Ex-Senator Brewster has been indicted. A large number of public officials in Newark
including the Mayor are under indictment . . . .
“
It is true that war has not been declared in Vietnam.Yet the President as commander-in-chief
has the authority to carry on the armed conflict. . . .
“
A declaration of war would not in and of itself change the conduct of the war. . . . If the
President were to ask for a declaration of war Congress would provide it. . . .
“
I share your concern with the Communist propaganda so much of which we have in our coun-
try
today.Wemust suspend judgment on the alleged massacre in Vietnam until all the facts are
known. It would be tragic indeed if our country were the victim of Communist propaganda in
this respect. . . .”