5:44 p.m.
From Defense Secretary Robert McNamara

While the parents were in the office, Defense Secretary McNamara phoned twice. The second time, Johnson spoke specifically about Mississippi. The recording here begins with Johnson speaking to the families.

President Johnson: [to people in office] Y’all pardon me, but I’m selecting the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the secretary of staff and secretary of the Army and gotten them on the way to Saigon and [Henry Cabot] Lodge is coming, out and we’re having all kinds of problems today.

The operator announces that McNamara is on the line.

President Johnson: Mr. Secretary, I’m here with the parents of these boys that have not been heard from in Mississippi since night before last. You have . . . are making available everything that you have to the FBI for, in their rescue and search I assume.

Robert McNamara: Yes, sir, we have.

President Johnson: You be sure now to tell [J. Edgar] Hoover—

McNamara: We have helicopters that are being used at present along with some naval security cars.

President Johnson: Well, you be sure to let them know that every facility of the Department is available to them and see that Hoover knows that and see that he utilizes it to every extent possible.

McNamara: I will, indeed, and we’ve had people working with Burke Marshall today on it. [Pause.]

President Johnson: Uh-huh . . . uh-huh . . . So . . . O.K., thank you.

McNamara: All right, thank you.