Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3d.djvu/48

TOP SECRET :. Encourage United Nations agencies, other Colombo Plan countries, and other friendly countries to contribute available resources to promote the economic growth of Southeast Asia.


 * . Encourage the Southeast Asian countries to orient their economics in the direction of the free world and to rely primarily on non-Communist markets and sources of supply for trade, technicians, capital development, and atomic development.


 * . In carrying out programs involving disposal of U. S. agricultural surpluses abroad:


 * (1) Give particular attention to the economic vulnerabilities of the Southeast Asian countries and avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, detracting from the ability of these countries to market their own exportable produce.


 * (2) Give particular emphasis to the use of the resources to promote multilateral trade and economic development.


 * . Promote as appropriate the expansion of trade relationships between the United States and the countries of Southeast Asia.


 * . Take advantage of adverse local reactions to Communist barter agreements with countries in the area by demonstrating the advantages to these countries of conducting trade on a multilateral commercial basis.

23. Make a special, sustained effort to help educate an expanding number of technically competent, pro-Western civilian and military leaders, working bilaterally, through the United Nations, with the other Colombo Plan countries and with other friendly countries. Stress the development of potential and secondary leadership to support the thin stratum of elite now administering the central governments and bring to their support modern techniques and technology in public information and organization.

24. Place increased emphasis on community development projects, educational programs, and other activities aimed to influence the welfare and attitudes of the people at the village level.

25. Strengthen informational, cultural and educational activities, as appropriate, to foster increased alignment of the people with the free world and to contribute to an understanding of Communist aims and techniques. NSC 5612/1 Rh