President Richard M. Nixon

The White House

Washington, D. C.

At a time when this country's leadership has stated a commitment to disengagement from Vietnam, we are suddenly and without warning confronted with an extension of military geographic involvement. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in anxiety, turbulence and conflict involving crucial segments of our population. A decision, apparently arrived at arbitrarily and without the concurrence or even the knowledge of representatives of the people, entails the dangerous risk of intensifying a sense of betrayal and outrage.

We admire the courage of people who strive for peace and justice. Irresponsible statements that impugn their motives and idealism or derogate their views only increase undesirable polarization in our society and encourage acts of violence.

Instead, our leaders should encourage by precept and example, moderation and restraint, promotion of free and open communication and respectful acceptance of divergent views.

In addition, humanitarian considerations impel us to protest the extension of the Vietnam War to Cambodia. We deplore the emotional climate in this country associated with the death of four students at Kent State University in Ohio and the closing of many of our major universities and colleges. We urge you, the President and the Congress of the United States, to take immediate and sustained steps toward peace at home and abroad.

Executive Council

THE AMERICAN PSYCHOANALYTIC, ASSOCIATION