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Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3 NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011  B. EMERGENCY ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTION

The major problem now confronting Viet Nam is that of internal security. But the joint groups were in emphatic agreement that this problem cannot be solved by military means alone. They therefore considered the nature and the costs of economic and social measures which can be undertaken or expanded in order to give direct and early support to the solution of the internal security problem.

The following activity areas are those which deserve highest priority. Rough cost estimates are shown where major additional piaster and dollar outlays are required.

1.

Measures now underway to establish communication facilities are well designed and oriented. All possible steps should be taken to speed up the implementation of these programs. The joint Groups believe, however, that at the same time a re-examination of this program is now in order with special reference to (1) increasing the broadcast power and coverage of radio stations, and (2) possible initiation of a television system. The latter would be a dramatic and unprecedented attack on the problem of national unification. It would undoubtedly require phasing as to area and programming.

Of particular interest are the programs to increase the number of transistor receivers in the rural areas, and to expand the inter-village communications system.

The importance is underscored of adequate programming to achieve the desired results from the physical communications facilities now being established. This programming should give attention to making available useful information to rural listeners in such fields as agricultural and health education. Rh