 He finished his explanation by saying "If you become President yourself someday, Mr. Vice President, you can be sure that I will guard your interests as closely as I did President Johnson's tonight".During Ambassador Martin's tenure in Thailand, he forged close bonds with the local government and the Thai Royal family.President Johnson and Secretary of Defense McNamara heeded the Joint Chief's request to escalate bombing runs over North Vietnam; and to provide close air support cover for covert missions in the highlands of South Vietnam; the secret war in Laos; and Cambodian excursions.