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Hartke, Vance, (1919-2003) Congressional Record Proceedings and Debates of the 89th Congress, Second Session.

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09787.03 Author/Creator: Hartke, Vance, (1919-2003) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Newsletter Date: 30 June 1966 Pagination: 4 p. ; 35.3 x 21.6 cm. Order a Copy

One issue of "Congressional Record" dated June 30, 1966 regarding the policy of escalation. This is a transcript of a speech by Hartke on the policy of escalation during the Vietnam War. He cites three examples of escalation that came after an intensification of peace talks. He mentions the Tonkin Bay incident, the bombing of the north on February 7, 1965 while Premier Kosygin was visiting Hanoi, and bombing a major power station close to Haiphong on December 15, 1965. For each example there is a long and detailed description of the event and the peace talks that were proposed shortly before the events. Hartke states, "It is we who have the responsibility, it is we who have the power. It is we who must turn toward a peaceful solution and withdraw from this pattern of escalation." Hartke also mentions having sent copies of a "citizens' white paper" entitled, "The Politics of Escalation" to all members of Congress. This white paper provides detailed information about every escalation taken, and a context of what was happening at the same time. The study was conducted by ten professors of Washington University in St. Louis. At the end of the speech there are reactions and comments to the speech by other senators in favor and praise of Hartke.

Hartke, Vance, 1919-2003
McGovern, George Stanley, 1922-2012

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