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9 May 1955

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE


 * Subject: Indochina (Vietnam).

1. The Joint Chiefs of Staff submit herewith their views regarding the military aspects of the problem presented in the attached excerpt from a telegram from Mr. Dulles to the Department of State.

2. The situation as depicted in the telegram from Mr. Dulles appears to present the United States with a choice between:


 * . Continuing to support the Diem Government in Vietnam -- which would result in the withdrawal of French forces from that country; or


 * . Withdrawing United States support from Vietnam -- allowing the French to deal with the situation as they deem fit.

3. The Joint Chiefs of Staff consider that the question as to whether the United States should or should not continue to support the Diem Government, or any other particular Vietnamese regime, is one for resolution at the governmental level. Their comments relative to the alternatives set forth above are, therefore, limited to their military implications.

4. It is considered doubtful that the Vietnam National Army (VNA), in its present state of development and unassisted by other forces, can continue to maintain internal security under the conditions of near-civil war now prevailing in Vietnam. There is even less likelihood that the VNA could offer more than a token resistance to external aggression. Further, it is open to question whether the VNA would be loyal to the Diem Government under all circumstances. The presence and cooperation of an outside military force is therefore essential at this time if Vietnamese security and integrity are to be assured. The United States is debarred by the provisions of the Geneva Agreement from providing such forces, and could therefore give no assurances regarding the protection of lives and property of French or any other foreign nationals. While the withdrawal CopyofCopies each ofpages series