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Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3 NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011 Rh OFF SECY OF DEFENSE

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

1. Reference is made to the memorandum by the Deputy Secretary of Defense, dated 5 October 1961, subject as above. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have considered the proposed concept for the use of SEATO forces in South Vietnam and the suggested two principal military possibilities for its implementation.

2. It is their opinion that the use of SEATO forces at the greatest possible number of entry points along the whole South Vietnam border, but excluding that part of the 17th parallel now held by the South Vietnamese Army itself, is not feasible for the following reasons:


 * a. SEATO forces will be deployed over a border of several hundred miles and will be attacked piecemeal or by-passed at the Viet Cong's own choice.


 * b. It may reduce but cannot stop infiltration of Viet Cong personnel and material.


 * c. It deploys SEATO forces in the weakest defensive points should DRV or CHICOM forces intervene.


 * d. It compounds the problems of communications and logistical support.

Rh