Journal+13

URL: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1964Tonkinbay.html

- How does the US justify escalation? -What are the stated US goals? -What does it authorize the President to do? -Does the resolution have a firm expiration date?

1. The US says that Vietnam attacked their ships in the waters, and broke the United Nations’ rules, and that North Vietnam “created a serious threat to international peace.” Then, the US said that it would help and protect the people of Southeast Asia by joining the war.

2. “Protect the freedom” of all the people in the Southeastern Asia area. Keep the forces of in the Vietnam area safe.

3. Take “all necessary measures to repel an armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.” It also gives the President power to terminate the war whenever he sees fit.

4. The resolution will expire when the President thinks that there is peace in the area. It also can be terminated earlier by the Congress, if necessary.