<P> In mid-1961 , President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam asked the United States to conduct aerial herbicide spraying in his country . In August of that year , the Republic of Vietnam Air Force conducted herbicide operations with American help . But Diem 's request launched a policy debate in the White House and the State and Defense Departments . However , U.S. officials considered using it , pointing out that the British had already used herbicides and defoliants during the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s . In November 1961 , President John F. Kennedy authorized the start of Operation Ranch Hand , the codename for the U.S. Air Force 's herbicide program in Vietnam . </P>
who decided to use agent orange in vietnam
President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam President John F. Kennedy