President Johnson Halts Bombing in Vietnam

President Lyndon Johnson announces that the bombing operation in North Vietnam, known as Operation Rolling Thunder, will halt November 1st in anticipation of peace talks in Paris between South and North Vietnam. He asserts that the US does not recognize the National Liberation Front, though they will be in attendance, and that the US has no intention of dictating the future of the people of South Vietnam.

Johnson cautions Americans to be wary of the promises made by North Vietnam and asks for support in, what he expects will be a lengthy and deliberate process. He mentions his refusal to seek another term as president and reassures the public that he is working with each candidate to keep them equally informed of developments in Vietnam and pledges to help with the transition between himself and his successor.

"Constancy to our national purpose, which is to seek the basis for durable peace in Southeast Asia, has sustained me in all of these hours when there seemed to be no progress whatever in these talks. But now that progress has come. I know that your prayers are joined with mine and those of all humanity, that the action I announce tonight will be a major step toward a firm and honorable peace in Southeast Asia."

Don Folsom provides intro and outro commentary.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150929
Municipal archives id: T6050