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22 September 1954

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE


 * Subject: Retention and Development of Forces in Indochina

1. In response to a memorandum by the Deputy Secretary of Defense, dated 10 September 1954, subject as above, the Joint Chiefs of Staff submit the following views and recommendations.

2. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have considered the provisions of the Geneva Armistice Agreement and the latest National Security Council policies for the Southeast Asia area.

3. The restrictions imposed by the Geneva Armistice Agreement on Cambodia are minor and can be overcome to a degree sufficient to carry out generally the U.S. national policies in that area. The restrictions on Laos are major and permit training, assistance and supervision by French instructors only. In Vietnam the cease fire agreement constitutes a major obstacle to the introduction of adequate US MAAG personnel and of additional arms and equipment.

4. Although the French have not submitted for U.S. study any plans they may have for withdrawal of French forces from Indochina, some informal and general information has been obtained as to their present intentions. Based upon this information and taking into account the estimated capabilities of the three nations of the Associated States, the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend that those forces listed in the Appendix hereto should be retained or developed in Viet Nam and Cambodia. The estimated costs thereof, listed in the Appendix hereto must be reexamined in view of the lack of data related to condition and quantities of equipment and clothing, quantities of ICC, ammunition and arms to be reissued by the French.

5. Under the terms of the Geneva Armistice Agreement the training Of Laotian armed forces may be conducted by French personnel only. However military equipment can be furnished in specified quantities for the defense of Laos through the French. Rh