Peter1469 (11-30-2019)
“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.” - Barry Goldwater
Anyway, for this thread, the OP indicates many declassified documents that suggest JFK was seriously considering at least a draw-down of the 16,000 US troops prior to his Dallas vacation.
Had he lived would he have:
A: Kept some level of advisers in place?
B: Escalated as LBJ did?
C: Pulled US forces out?
It is an interesting topic. Without future research, based on the OP I think JFK wanted a serious study from his staff to suggest options- with all options on the table. The OP also makes a good point: The Bay Of Pigs taught JFK to not blindly listen to his military and intelligence advisers.
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