○  cambodian incursion address  ○

attacks are being launched this week to clean out major enemy sanctuaries on the cambodian-vietnam border. a major responsibility for the ground operations is being assumed by south vietnamese forces.

for example, the attacks in several areas, including the parrot’s beak that i referred to a moment ago, are exclusively south vietnamese ground operations, under south vietnamese command, with the united states providing air and logistical support. there is one area however, immediately above the parrot’s beak where i have concluded that a combined american and south vietnamese operation is necessary.

tonight, american and south vietnamese units will attack the headquarters for the entire communist military operation in south vietnam. this key control center has been occupied by the north vietnamese and vietcong for five years in blatant violation of cambodia’s neutrality.

this is not an invasion of cambodia. the areas in which these attacks will be launched are completely occupied and controlled by north vietnamese forces. our purpose is not to occupy the areas. once enemy forces are driven out of these sanctuaries, and once their military supplies are destroyed, we will withdraw.

these actions are in no way directed to security interests of any nation. any government that chooses to use these actions as a pretext for harming relations with the united states will be doing so on its own responsibility and on its own initiative, and we will draw the appropriate conclusions.

and now, let me give you the reasons for my decision. a majority of the american people, a majority of you listening to me are for the withdrawal of our forces from vietnam. the action i have taken tonight is indispensable for the continuing success of that withdrawal program. a majority of the american people want to end this war rather than to have it drag on interminably. the action i have taken tonight will serve that purpose. a majority of the america

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