The Vice-Presidency: Still Talking

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Though the debate over Viet Nam had diminished by quite a few decibels, Vice President Hubert Humphrey's voice still rang out loud and clear in defense of the American stand. In a speech before Washington's National Press Club, Humphrey observed that "the war in Viet Nam is far more than Neville Chamberlain's 'quarrel in a remote country among people of whom we know nothing' "—an allusion to the British Prime Minister's celebrated remark about Hitler's planned invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938.

"It is the focus of a broader conflict, which involves the whole Asian continent," Humphrey said. "It also involves basic principles of international conduct. Were we to withdraw from Viet Nam under any conditions short of peace, security and the right of self-determination for the South Vietnamese people, what conclusions would be drawn in the independent nations of Asia? In Western Europe? In the young, struggling countries of Africa? In the nations of Latin America beset by subversion and unrest? What conclusions would be drawn in Hanoi and Peking? This time we cannot afford to learn the hard way."

In any event, the Vice President reported, his recent visit to South Viet Nam left him convinced that the allies are making "substantial progress." Said he: "Things are better in Viet Nam, militarily, than even a few months ago. Though we must be prepared for military setbacks and disappointments ahead, I believe we have reason for measured encouragement." Humphrey's message was aimed especially at his old friends in Americans for Democratic Action—an organization that the Vice President helped found—who loudly oppose the war and have denounced him as a liberal-turned-warmonger. In his press club speech, Humphrey also took a pointed swipe at another critic—and potential presidential rival—Democratic Senator Robert Kennedy.

Clearly referring to the Kennedy argument that the Viet Cong should be represented in South Viet Nam's government as the price of peace, Humphrey reminded his audience that infiltration and subversion of coalition regimes is one of the Communists' "publicly declared routes to victory." Added the Vice President: "We will remain in Viet Nam until genuinely free elections can be held. If the Viet Cong, in those elections, gain honestly a voice in government, so be it. But prior to elections, this Government will not be a party to any settlement which amounts to a pre-election victory for Communists that cannot be won at the ballot box."