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Comprehension
4a Is the Vietnam War a major concern for the USA in 1965? How do you know?
4b According to the document, why is the USA bombing North Vietnam?
4c Why do they have no choice?
4d How much effect does US bombing seem to be having on North Vietnam's policies?
4e Would you agree that the situation the Foreign Secretary is describing is a stalemate? Explain your answer.

Analysis and Interpretation
4f Is it possible to tell whether the Foreign Secretary supports or does not support US policy from this document?
4g Look at the section on the USA's use of gas. What does it suggest about:
  • British attitudes to US actions in Vietnam?
  • The potential for media coverage to make a big impression?

4h Does this document give the impression that US policy is clear, or does the USA seem to be reacting to events?


Case Study Question
Fill out the relevant line of your Case Study Worksheet.

The Big Question
Look at your answers to the questions on source 4.
Does Source 4 help you to decide whether any of the criticisms of US policy were valid?
Does the source help you to decide whether the criticisms are only valid in hindsight?
 Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5Source 6Source 7Source 8

Discussions on US policy in Vietnam at a meeting of the British Cabinet in 1965

Discussions on US policy in Vietnam at a meeting of the British Cabinet in 1965