Lee Kuan Yew Visits Lyndon Johnson in Washington

American officials expected Lee to speak at the National Press Club and the Council on Foreign Relations and to draw attention through broadcast interviews. They believed he sought a sympathetic climate for future cooperation more than immediate signed commitments. [1]

Lee Kuan Yew told his White House hosts on 17 October 1967 why he had come that autumn: waiting until after the next American election might be too late. The Vietnam War was dividing Americans, and their decisions about Asia would affect Singapore’s prospects for peace and economic growth. [2]

Independent for two years, Singapore faced Britain’s planned withdrawal of its forces from the region while seeking export markets and outside capital. American officials expected those economic needs to occupy much of Lee’s attention. He supported an American presence in Southeast Asia while preserving Singapore’s nonalignment, and urged patience and restraint as well as resolve in his arrival speech. [1] [2]

In their joint statement the next day, Lyndon Johnson and Lee endorsed regional cooperation and opposed outside interference. They affirmed that countries should choose their own political and economic systems and called for a peaceful settlement in Vietnam. [3]

Lee supported an American regional role while questioning some tactics in Vietnam, including the bombing of the North. [1] [2]

Related Diplomats

1. Wong Lin Ken [4] [5] [6] [7]

Related Reading

• Singapore and the United States