Statement by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, March 3, 1966

In McNamara's statement, made before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he argues that the conflict in Vietnam was not a civil war but an attack from North Vietnam, and that the U.S. was fighting to help South Vietnam remain independent. McNamara said the U.S. had enough military power to meet its goals without overextending itself and emphasized that the ultimate objective was free elections in South Vietnam.