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Kennedy-Jan 1961-Nov 1963

More interested in laos until 1963

Kennedy attacked Truman for "losing" China in 1949

Very anti communist- World locked in ideological struggle- promised to protect free nations from communism

Worried he appeared weak and inexperienced

Convinced counter insurgency tactics could beat Vietcong

Took most advice from Robert McNamara (Defence department) instead of state department (foreign affairs) under Dean Rusk

Feared communist takeover of Laos- rejected military intervention.- Sent military advisors to Laos leader. 1962 "neutralise" Laos agreement- coalition Gov including communists but communists uncooperative. Vietminh used trails in eastern Laos for Vietnam war effort- made JFK see communists as untrustworthy, had to be stopped.

After Bay of Pigs failure he needed to look tough in Cuban missile crisis and Vietnam- Withdrawing from Vietnam would look bad.

Inherited 800 US advisors in Jan 1961; increased to 3000 by Dec 1961 and 12000 by 1962.

JFK increased aid and looked for military solution despite evidence 250,000 ARVN troops couldnt beat 12000 VC- JFK refused to send in US ground troops

Worried about commiting US ground troops- Diem seen as loser, some argued couldnt win with him as leader

-Worried US would be seen as colonial power like France

-Feared military defeat as military advisor solution not working 1960-2

-Worried about open ended commitment sucking in thousands of troops

-Doubted support from allies and congress

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