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11 August 1954

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE


 * Subject: Review of U.S. Policy in the Far East – NSC 5429

1. The Joint Chiefs of Staff submit herewith their views with respect to a draft statement of policy prepared by the National Security Council Planning Board titled "Review of U.S. Policy in the Far East" (NSC 5429), which is scheduled for consideration by the National Security Council at its meeting on 12 August 1954.

2. In their memorandum for you dated 9 April 1954, subject "U.S. Strategy for Developing a Position of Military Strength in the Far East (NSC Action No. l029-b)", the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended that the United States formulate a comprehensive policy in which the Far East is viewed as a strategic entity and which would provide definitive direction for the development of a position of military strength in the Far East. NSC 5429 lacks a statement of United States objectives with respect to the area as a whole and broad courses of action for the achievement of such objectives, and hence does not constitute a comprehensive statement of policy as envisaged by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

3. Accordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend that NSC 5429 be returned to the Planning Board with appropriate guidance for derivation and exposition of U.S. objectives in the Far East and delineation of broad courses of action directed toward their attainment.

4. Specific comments of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force and the Commandant of the Marine Corps on the material included in NSC 5429 follow:

"a. We concur in the view of the Defense, JCS, and ODM Members of the Planning Board, contained in the footnote on page 3 of the draft, that U.S. policy with regard to China should be considered and determined first, and that the policy with regard to the peripheral areas should be established in light of this determination. Rh