"The Central Issue In Viet-Nam", October 12, 1967

This document is the transcript of U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk's news conference on Vietnam. Rusk explained that the U.S. was committed to supporting its allies in Southeast Asia to stop the spread of communism, but stressed that the goal was limited—seeking peace without escalating into a larger war. Rusk also emphasized that the U.S. was open to negotiations at any time, but said that North Vietnam’s refusal to discuss peace showed they still hoped to win through force.