Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3b.djvu/238



MEMORANDUM FOR LT. COL. J. D. SITTERSON, USA, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MEMBER, OCB WORKING GROUP ON NSC 5405 (SOUTHEAST ASIA):



with Respect to Southeast Asia (NSC 5405) 4 March 1954, subject as above
 * | Subject: || U.S. Objectives and Courses of Action
 * | Reference: || Secretary of Defense memorandum,
 * | Reference: || Secretary of Defense memorandum,
 * }

In accordance with the above request from the Secretary of Defense, the following informal comments are submitted:


 * . Reference paragraph 21.


 * (1) On 14 December 1953, the Secretary of Defense informed the Chief, MAAG, Indochina, that Indochina has the highest MDAP priority. It is the only nation with this priority classification and, as such, has precedence over every other allied nation and the U.S. armed forces for the allocation of equipment in short supply. Generally, military assistance equipment is being delivered at the scheduled rates, which are up to the capability of Indochinese forces to utilize effectively. Thailand is being furnished MDA equipment under a limited program. This material is generally being delivered at the rate at which the Thailand forces can most effectively utilize it. Burma is not a recipient nation for MDAP grant aid. Initial arrangements have been made to provide Burma on a reimbursable basis, but no actual deliveries under this program have yet been made.


 * (2) Major General O'Daniel has been appointed Chief, MAAG, Indochina. This was as a result of an NSC action designed to increase the influence of the United States in the prosecution of the war in Indochina, particularly training of local forces, effective command and intelligence arrangements, and operational planning.

Rh