The Nation: Round Two: What the New Documents Show

Despite the controversy that surrounded each fresh disclosure of the Pentagon papers in the press, the stories revealed little new about America's role in Southeast Asia—although they continued to expose official miscalculation and deception. There were, however, some fascinating historical details and insights into events that, in broad outline at least, were already part of the public record. A chronology of highlights:

KENNEDY ON TROOP COMMITMENTS. During the early months of his Administration, President John F. Kennedy tried to maneuver the South Vietnamese into requesting assistance from American troops. Kennedy dispatched then-Vice President Johnson to Viet Nam in May 1961 with orders...