Nation: Back to the Brothel

The subject of brothels came up again last week—at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings—and again it was William Fulbright who brought it up. "I have been criticized recently for having cited a story from the New York Times," drawled the Arkansas Senator, adding blandly that "the word which seemed to be so offensive was not of my origin—that Saigon was an American brothel." However, said Fulbright, "I did inquire some—from men who had been there in our aid program—and by and large they confirmed it."

The chairman assured Defense Secretary McNamara: "I am not taxing you with this directly." He asked,...