Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part IV. C. 1.djvu/73

 Khanh emphasized figures were planning figures only and designed give idea of number of military and civilians required and indicate financial implications of plan…

McNamara stated that U.S.…would wish to study strength figures carefully; however, his first impression was that figure of 422,814 SDC and Hamlet Militia appeared unduly large and would be difficult to support. Khanh responded that in actual practice total numbers may not reach this level. In fact, number may not exceed 300,000 SDC and Hamlet Militia actually deployed against VC…

Thieu stated that all men from age 18 through 40 would be required to participate in national pacification effort. Most of them…would serve in same positions they now occupy. Others, such as National Youth Group up to age 40, would be required serve in city and countryside and would be organized into small groups to assist ARM and Civil Guard. Category of Political-Administration Corps would consist of cadres planned for assignment to villages and hamlets. General Thieu estimated that 125,000 such cadre would be required…McNamara stated that general approach appeared excellent but he questioned whether GVN would need 125,000 cadre…This number added to total figures for Civil Guard, SDC and Hamlet Militia, constituted an extremely large figure…population appeared disproportionate…desirable to look most closely at planning figures.

Khanh replied that he intended make maximum effort in first instance in 8 critical provinces surrounding Saigon…However, a National Service Act would have a very good effect in Saigon and the other urban areas.

McNamara inquired whether upon his return to Washington he could tell President Johnson that General Khanh's government was prepared embark on a program of national mobilization of human and material resources and whether President Johnson in turn could inform the American people…Khanh replied in the affirmative…McNamara indicated that he viewed concept favorably and…Ambassador stated that he Rh