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15 January 1954

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE




 * Subject: ||Steps which the United States Might Take to Assist in Achieving Success of the Navarre Plan.
 * }

1. In response to the action taken by the National Security Council (NSC) on 8 January 1954 on NSC 177, the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend for your consideration the actions shown hereafter, Appendix "B" of which was prepared in consultation with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), to assist in achieving the success of the Navarre Plan.

2. The actions are considered to be feasible within the framework of existing national policies and will not involve the overt use of U.S forces in combat. However, in view of the continuing changes in the military situation in Indochina, together with their influence on existing national politico-military policies and commitments in other areas, the actions should be reviewed and re-evaluated on a continuing basis.

3. Appropriate agencies of the government should undertake the following actions:


 * . Place renewed emphasis upon the attainment and maintenance of the full support by the government of France of the Navarre Plan and United States measures in support of it. This full support by France of the Navarre Plan should include the augmentation of the French Air Force, Indochina, with maintenance and air crew personnel from military and/or civilian resources available in metropolitan France or elsewhere. The U. S. supporting measures should include necessary materiel and financial support but should not include military and/or civilian personnel except in certain highly specialized categories.

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