| This thesis addresses US-UN relations during the Johnson Administration's phase of the Vietnam War. It examines the attitudes of key US and UN officials regarding the latter's role in the war. Issues including jurisdiction, administration goals, diplomatic personalities, and Cold War ideology are considered in order to understand why the United Nations did not play a larger role in the war.; Thorough research has revealed the United Nations had the authority and obligation to intervene in Vietnam. Initially, the United States prevented the UN's involvement. Not until 1966, when the United States was enmeshed in a hopeless war, did it turn to the UN for help. By then, the once eager organization had reconsidered. Despite widespread concern, the UN had grown independent of American foreign policy. Thus, the organization entrusted with international peace and security turned its back on Vietnam.; Having ignored Vietnam is one of the UN's greatest tragedies. |
