Joint Resolution for the Maintenance of Peace and Security in Southeast Asia
In the early 1960s, Southeast Asia was a region fraught with geopolitical tension and conflict. The Cold War had heightened the stakes, with the Communist regimes in North Vietnam and their allies challenging Western interests and regional stability. The situation was further complicated by repeated incidents involving naval vessels, which contributed to the escalating conflict. Against this backdrop, the United States Congress passed a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the crisis and reaffirming American commitment to regional security.
The Legislative Text: H.J. Res. 1145
Public Law 88-408 of the Eighty-eighth Congress of the United States, formally known as House Joint Resolution 1145, was passed on August 10, 1964. This resolution was a pivotal moment in U.S. legislative history, reflecting the heightened urgency of maintaining international peace and security in Southeast Asia.
Key Provisions of the Resolution:
Condemnation of Aggression: The resolution begins by condemning the aggressive actions of the Communist regime in Vietnam. It highlights that these attacks were in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, posing a serious threat to global peace. The text specifically refers to the deliberate attacks on U.S. naval vessels in international waters, which were seen as part of a systematic campaign of aggression by North Vietnam.
Support for Presidential Action: The resolution affirms the Congress's support for the President's determination to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attacks against U.S. forces. It underscores a commitment to preventing further aggression and protecting U.S. interests in the region. This section reflects the legislative backing for potential military action in response to the escalating threats.
Commitment to International Peace: In Section 2, the resolution asserts the U.S. national interest in maintaining international peace and security in Southeast Asia. It emphasizes the U.S. commitment to the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty (SEATO) and pledges to take necessary steps, including the use of armed force, to assist any member or protocol state of SEATO in defending its freedom.
Expiration Clause: Section 3 provides a mechanism for the resolution's expiration. The resolution is set to expire when the President determines that international conditions have sufficiently assured peace and security in the area, either through United Nations action or otherwise. The resolution could also be terminated earlier by a concurrent resolution of Congress.
The passage of H.J. Res. 1145 was a critical development in U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Southeast Asia. It provided the legislative basis for increased U.S. involvement in the region, including the potential use of military force. The resolution underscored the U.S. commitment to supporting its allies and protecting regional stability against Communist aggression.
This legislative action occurred in the broader context of the Vietnam War, which saw a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement following the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which was used to justify broader military engagement. The resolution symbolized the U.S. government's stance on maintaining international order and responding to perceived threats in a volatile region.
Historical Legacy: The resolution reflects the complexities of Cold War geopolitics and the U.S. approach to international conflicts. It represents a moment of decisive action aimed at safeguarding peace and stability in Southeast Asia, while also highlighting the broader implications of American foreign policy decisions during a period of intense global tension.
In summary, the Joint Resolution for the Maintenance of Peace and Security in Southeast Asia was a critical legislative measure that underscored the U.S. commitment to addressing aggression, supporting regional allies, and maintaining global peace and security during a tumultuous period in history.
Original article:
Joint Resolution for the Maintenance of Peace and Security in Southeast Asia https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2803448 Collection LBJ-MCOLL: Lyndon B. Johnson Museum CollectionSeries: Artifacts Relating to the Life and Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson H.J. Res. 1145 PUBLIC LAW 88-408 Eighty-eighth Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred and sixty-four Joint Resolution To promote the maintenance of international peace and security in southeast Asia. Whereas naval units of the Communist regime in Vietnam, in violation of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law, have deliberately and repeatedly attack United States naval vessels lawfully present in international waters, and have thereby created a serious threat to international peace; and Whereas these attacks are part of a deliberate and systematic campaign of aggression that the Communist regime in North Vietnam has been waging against his neighbors and the nations joined with them in the collective defense of their freedom; and Whereas the United States is assisting the peoples of Southeast Asia to protect their freedom and has no territorial, military or political ambitions in that area, but desires only that these peoples should be left in peace to work out their own destinies in their own way: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Congress approves and supports the determination of the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression. SEC. 2. The United States regards is vital to its national interest into world peace the maintenance of international peace and security in Southeast Asia. Consonant with the Constitution of the United States at the Charter of the United Nations and in accordance with its obligations under the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Tree, United States is, therefore, prepared, as the President determines, to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force, to assist any member or protocol state of the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty requesting assistance in defense of its freedom. SEC. 3. This resolution shall expire when the President shall determine that the peace and security of the area is reasonably assured by international conditions created by action of the United Nations or otherwise, except that it may be terminated earlier by concurrent resolution of the Congress. John M. MacCormack Speaker of the House of Representatives Lee Metcalf Acting President pro tempore of the Senate. APPROVED AUG 10 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
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