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April 15, 1954

SUBJECT:NSC Action No. 1086-, and

REFERENCE:Planning Board Report on NSC Action No. 1074-, dated 5 April 1954

1. At its meeting on 6 April 1954, the National Security Council agreed on the following, which has been subsequently approved by the President (NSC Action No. 1086-, and ):

. Noted and discussed the reference report and postponed decision on the recommendation in paragraph 7- thereof, but agreed that military and mobilization planning to b e prepared for this contingency should be promptly initiated.

. Agreed that the United States should direct its efforts prior to the Geneva Conference toward:


 * (1) Organizing a regional grouping, including initially the U.S., the U.K., France, the Associated States, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and the Philippines, for the defense of Southeast Asia against Communist efforts by any means to gain control of the countries in this area.


 * (2) Gaining British support for U.S. objectives in the Far East, in order to strengthen U.S. policies in the area.


 * (3) Pressing the French to accelerate the program for the independence of the Associated States.

. Noted the President's view that, if agreement for the organization of the above-mentioned regional grouping could be achieved, Congressional authorization for U.S. participation therein should then be requested. Rh Rh