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January 29, 1954

Honorable Charles E. Wilson

Secretary of Defense

Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I have been impressed for some tine that we have been steadily moving closer and closer to participation in the war in Indo-China. I am not objecting to any announced policy thus far, but a decision must soon be made as to how far we shall go. I feel that you will be highly influential in formulating this important policy.

It seems to me that we should certainly stop short of sending our troops or airmen to this area, either for participation in the conflict or as instructors. As always, when we send one group, we shall have to send another to protect the first and we shall thus be fully involved in a short time.

With consideration of our confirmed promises and assumed obligations in Europe, in the Pacific area, in Korea and elsewhere, and with consideration of our home defenses, I do not think we can at all afford to take chances on becoming participants in Indo-China.

Further, I have understood that the Air Force has a special request to send twenty-five to fifty civilian airplane mechanics to Indo-China. It seems to me that almost the same reasons apply in this instance. France has a great abundance of such mechanics, I am sure, as I saw many French mechanics last September at our military installation at Chateauroux engaged in overhauling jet engines.

I appreciate the fine contribution your are making to our national welfare as Secretary of Defense and as a member of the Security Council. I shall appreciate your consideration of this important, far-reaching question.

Rh