"THE 'MOST USEFUL' KENNEDY CABINET OFFICER"

MCNAMARA GETS HIGH PRAISE & SOME CRITICISM

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 6, 1961, Mary McGrory of the Sunday Star reports that President John F. Kennedy's Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara* "is so far the success story of the Kennedy cabinet."

The characterization was actually made by the President himself who, according to McGrory, "is impressed by Mr. McNamara's spectacular intelligence (and) his grasp of the details of his job."

JFK+50 NOTE

JFK did not know Bob McNamara personally before the interview process for Secretary of State.  Defense Secretary is ranked as the second highest administrative post of the government behind Secretary of State.

While many were impressed with RSM, some critics said "he runs (DOD) through a computer."

*Robert Strange McNamara (1916-2009) was born in San Francisco, CA & graduated from the University of California, Berkley & Harvard University Business School.  

RSM served in the US Army Air Forces in WWII & was president of Ford Motor Company in 1960.  He served as Secretary of Defense 1961-1968.

SOURCE

"McNamara Captures 'Most Useful' Title," by Mary McGrory, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., August 6, 1961, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Robert S. McNamara

Secretary of Defense 

Official Portrait

by Oscar Porter. U.S. Army

1961

"YOU SHOULD ALL HOPE YOUR PLAN ISN'T THE ONE ACCEPTED"

JFK RETURNS TO CAPITAL TO BREAK DEADLOCK AMONG ADVISERS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 20, 1962, the fifth day of the Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK's Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara* reported that, according to CIA reports, the Soviets had deployed "6000 to 8000" troops to Cuba.

According to Michael Dobbs, by October 20th there were actually more than 40,000 Soviet troops in Cuba. Dobbs says that the inaccurate report was based on the number of Soviet ships estimated to have arrived in Cuba  .During the afternoon JFK, who was campaigning in the Midwest, was called back to Washington by RFK, to break a deadlock among his advisers.

Pierre Salinger, JFK's press secretary, announced to the press...

"The president has a cold and is returning to Washington."

The deadlock concerned the choice between launching an air strike on Cuba or employing a naval blockade.  The air strike was proposed by McGeorge Bundy,  and supported by John McCone, and Douglas Dillon.  The blockade proposal was supported by McNamara, Dean Rusk,  Adlai Stevenson, and Ted Sorensen.

Michael Dobbs writes that each proposal had its downside...  

The air strikes "might not be 100 per cent effective and could provoke Khrushchev into firing the remaining missiles or taking action elsewhere" while a naval blockade "might give the Soviets the opportunity to prevaricate while they hurriedly completed work on the missile sites."

When JFK entered the Oval Sitting Room where his advisers were gathered, the President said...

"Gentlemen, today we're going to earn our pay. You should all hope that your plan isn't the one that will be accepted."


*Robert S. McNamara (1916-2009) was born in San Francisco, CA and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1937 and Harvard Business School in 1939.  

Bob served in WWII and was president of Ford Motor Company in 1960.  He served as Defense Secretary from 1961 to 1968.

SOURCE

"One Minute To Midnight:  Kennedy, Khrushchev and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War," by Michael Dobbs, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2008.

                   JFK and McNamara
                      June 19, 1962
            Photo by Cecil Stougton
           NARA/JFK Library Image

"I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH TRUTH THERE IS TO IT"

JFK DISCUSSES GOLDWATER'S COMMENTS ON AERIAL SURVEILLANCE OVER CUBA

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 2, 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke with Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara about a news report on United States aerial surveillance over Cuba in the aftermath of the missile crisis.

The President read the report which said that the United States had suspended low-level flights over the island and had resorted to the use of "special electronic gear" which would make possible "listening outside Cuban territory."  The statement was made by Senator Barry Goldwater* (R-Arizona), a member of the Armed Services Committee.

JFK followed up by saying..."I don't know how much truth there is to it."

The Defense secretary responded that he didn't think there was any truth to it and added that Goldwater should not be talking about it.   McNamara offered the suggestion that they should "run a low-level flight... just to refute" the Arizona senator.

The President also inquired as to the existence of "special electronic gear."  Mr. McNamara responded that he was not aware of any but that he would "look into it."

*Barry Morris Goldwater (1909-1998) was born in Phoenix.  His father founded "Goldwaters", the leading upscale department store in the city.  After attending the University of Arizona, BMG took over the family business. 

Goldwater was a USAAF pilot during WWII & served in the U.S. Senate for 5 terms.  He was the Republican nominee for POTUS in 1964 losing in the general election to LBJ.

President Reagan & Senator Goldwater

The Oval Office (1984)

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Photo

"YOU SHOULD HOPE THAT YOUR PLAN ISN'T THE ONE ACCEPTED"

CIA SAYS 6000 to 8000 SOVIET TROOPS IN CUBA

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 20, 1962, the fifth day of the thirteen day Cuban Missile Crisis,  Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara* reported that CIA analysts estimated that the USSR had deployed "six thousand to eight thousand" troops to Cuba.

According to more recent research by Michael Dobbs, there were actually more than 40,000 Soviet troops in Cuba by the fifth day of the crisis.  Dobbs writes that the inaccuracy by the CIA was due to rough estimates based on the number of Russian ships arriving in Cuba.

During the afternoon,  President John F. Kennedy, who was scheduled to be campaigning in the Midwest, was called back to Washington by the Attorney General who told him that he was needed to break a deadlock among his advisers.  The deadlock was on a choice between whether to launch an air strike on Cuba or to set up a naval blockade.

The air strike was proposed by National Security assistant to the President, McGeorge Bundy and was supported by John McCone, CIA director and Douglas Dillon, Secretary of Treasury.

The blockade proposal was advocated by McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Adlai Stevenson, UN Secretary and JFK speechwriter Ted Sorensen.

When JFK entered the Oval Sitting Room on the 2nd floor of the mansion where his advisers had gathered, the President said....

"Gentlemen, today we're going to earn our pay. You should all hope that your plan isn't the one that will be accepted."

*Robert S. "Bob" McNamara (1916-2009) was born in San Francisco, California & graduated from UC Berkeley in 1937 & Harvard Business School in 1939.  He served in the US Army in WWII & became president of Ford Motor Company in 1960.  He served as Defense Secretary from 1961 to 1968.

JFK & McNamara

The White House

June 19, 1961

Photo by Cecil Stougton

NARA/JFK Library Image

GENTLEMEN, TODAY WE'RE GOING TO EARN OUR PAY!

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2475

JFK & ADVISERS DISCUSS OPTIONS ON 5TH DAY OF MISSILE CRISIS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Fifty-five years ago today, October 20, 1962,  Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara* reported to President John F. Kennedy that CIA analysts estimated the Soviet Union had deployed "six thousand to eight thousand" troops to Cuba.

According to more recent research by Michael Dobbs, however, there were actually more than 40,000 Soviet troops in Cuba by the fifth day of the crisis. Dobbs says that the inaccuracy was because of rough estimates based on the number of Russian ships arriving in Cuba.

During the afternoon the President, who was scheduled to be campaigning in the Midwest, was called back to Washington by Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.  RFK told JFK that he was needed to break a deadlock among his advisers.  The deadlock was on a choice between an air strike on Cuba or a naval blockade.

The air strike was proposed by National Security assistant to the President, McGeorge Bundy and was supported by John McCone, CIA director and Douglas Dillon, Secretary of Treasury.

The blockade proposal was advocated by McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Adlai Stevenson, UN Secretary and JFK speechwriter Ted Sorensen.

When JFK entered the Oval Sitting Room on the 2nd floor of the mansion where his advisers had gathered, the President said....

"Gentlemen, today we're going to earn our pay. You should all hope that your plan isn't the one that will be accepted."

SOURCE

"One Minute To Midnight:  Kennedy, Khrushchev and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War", by Michael Dobbs, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2008.

*Robert S. "Bob" McNamara (1916-2009) was born in San Francisco, California & graduated from UC Berkeley in 1937 & Harvard Business School in 1939.  He served in the US Army in WWII & became president of Ford Motor Company in 1960.  He served as Defense Secretary from 1961 to 1968.

JFK & McNamara

The White House

June 19, 1961

Photo by Cecil Stougton

NARA/JFK Library Image

THE MILITARY PROGRAM IN VIETNAM IS SOUND IN PRINCIPLE

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2459

MCNAMARA-TAYLOR STATEMENT ON VIETNAM RELEASED 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Fifty-four years ago today, October 2, 1963, the White House issued a statement following the return of Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Maxwell Taylor from their special mission to South Vietnam.

The statement began...

"Secretary McNamara and General Taylor reported to the President this morning and to the National Security Council this afternoon.Their report included a number of classified findings and recommendations which will be the subject of further review and action."

The following  recommendations were approved by the President...

1. We will adhere to our policy of working with the people and Government of South Vietnam to deny this country to communism.

2. The military program in SV has made progress and is sound in principle.

3. Major US assistance...is needed only until the insurgency has been suppressed or until the national security forces of the Government of South Vietnam are capable of suppressing it.^

4. The political situation in SV remains deeply serious.

5. It remains the policy of the United States...to support the efforts...to defeat aggression and to build a peaceful and free society.

^The McNamara-Taylor Report said that 1000 US military advisers "COULD be withdrawn" from South Vietnam by the end of the year 1963, and that "the major part of the U.S. military task can be completed by 1965."

JFK and Bob McNamara

June 19, 1962

Photo by Cecil Stoughton

JFK Library Image

MCNAMARA-TAYLOR REPORT ON VIETNAM

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2439

JFK ASKS FOR URGENT REVIEW OF SITUATION IN VIETNAM

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Fifty-four years ago, September 21, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent Robert S. McNamara* and General Maxwell Taylor** to Saigon to provide an "urgent review" of the situation in Southeast Asia.

Bob McNamara, Secretary of Defense, and General Taylor, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spent a week in South Vietnam and issued a brief report to the President on October 2, 1963.  

Following are the main points made in the report:

1. The Diem-Nhu government is increasingly unpopular.
2. Many SV military officers are hostile to the D-N government.
3. Withhold (some) financial aid to SV to pressure for meaningful reforms.

*Robert S. McNamara (1916-2009) was born in San Francisco & graduated from Harvard Business School.  RSM served in the US Army Air Corps in WWII and later was president of Ford Motor Company.

Described as 'one of the most influential defense secretaries of the 20th century,' McNamara became disillusioned with the Vietnam War in 1968 & wrote a memo to LBJ to freeze American troop levels and stop the bombing of the north.  

RSM remained silent about his true feelings for 28 years, but in 1995 he admitted that the war was 'terribly wrong' and that the American failure was in seeing the enemy through the prism of the cold war.

**Maxwell Davenport Taylor (1901-1987)  MDT graduated from West Point in 1922 and served in the US Army Corps of Engineers.  He served in the 101st Airborne Division in WWII. After his stint on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Taylor was Ambassador to South Vietnam 1964-1965.

SOURCES

"Robert S. McNamara, Architect of a Futile War, Dies at 93," by Tim Weiner, July 6, 2009, New York Times, www.nytimes.com/

"The McNamara-Taylor Report on Vietnam, 1963", alpha history, Vietnam War, www.alphahistory.com/

"This Is What We Do", The Vietnam War:  A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, September 21, 2017, www.pbs.org/

McNamara, Taylor and JFK

EXCOM Meeting

January 25, 1963

JFK Library Photo

CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS: DAY 5

DAY 5 OF 13 DAY CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS 51 YEARS AGO TODAY!

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) 51 years ago today, October 20, 1962, was the fifth day of what would be the 13 day Cuban Missile Crisis, the closest the world has come to nuclear war.

President John F. Kennedy's Secretary of Defense,  Robert S. McNamara* reported that, according to CIA analysts,  the Soviets had deployed "six thousand to eight thousand" troops to Cuba.

According to Michael Dobbs, by October 20th there were actually more than 40,000 Soviet troops in Cuba. Dobbs says that the inaccurate report was based on the number of Soviet ships estimated to have arrived in Cuba.

                   JFK and McNamara
                      June 19, 1962
            Photo by Cecil Stougton
           NARA/JFK Library Image

During the afternoon JFK, who was campaigning in the Midwest, was called back to Washington by the Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy, to break a deadlock among his advisers.

Pierre Salinger, JFK's press secretary, announced to the press...

"The president has a cold and is returning to Washington."

The deadlock concerned the choice between launching an air strike on Cuba or employing a naval blockade.

The air strike was proposed by McGeorge Bundy,  National Security assistant to the President, and  was supported by John McCone, CIA director and Douglas Dillon, Secretary of Treasury.

The blockade proposal, on the other hand, was supported by McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk,  UN Secretary Adlai Stevenson, and Ted Sorensen, JFK's speech writer.

Michael Dobbs writes that each proposal had its downside...  

The air strikes "might not be 100 per cent effective and could provoke Khrushchev into firing the remaining missiles or taking action elsewhere."

A naval blockade, on the other hand, "might give the Soviets the opportunity to prevaricate while they hurriedly completed work on the missile sites."

When JFK entered the Oval Sitting Room on the 2nd floor of the White House where his advisers were gathered, the President said...

"Gentlemen, today we're going to earn our pay. You should all hope that your plan isn't the one that will be accepted."

By this point, again according to Dobbs, JFK was leaning toward a naval blockade although "his mind was not completely made up."   After the afternoon meeting, the President, Attorney General and Ted Sorensen walked out on the Truman Balcony where JFK said...

"We are very, very close to war, and there is not room in the White House shelter for all of us."


*Robert S. McNamara (1916-2009) was born in San Francisco, CA and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1937 and Harvard Business School in 1939.  

Bob served in WWII and was president of Ford Motor Company in 1960.  He served as Defense Secretary from 1961 to 1968.

SOURCE

"One Minute To Midnight:  Kennedy, Khrushchev and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War," by Michael Dobbs, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2008.