Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part V. B. 2. b.djvu/256



""In this connection, it should he made clear to the other nations that United States ground forces will not be committed to the defense of French Indochina, Thailand, or Burma.""


 * REASON: For consistency and accuracy and in order to preclude misunderstanding.

5. Change subparagraph 5 to read as follows (changes indicated in the usual manner):

""Take whatever measures may he practicable to promote the coordinated defense of the area, and encourage and support the spirit of resistance among the peoples of Southeast Asia to Chinese Communist aggression and to the encroachments of local communists.""


 * REASON: For preciseness and to preclude any implication that the United States will join in a combined military command for the defense of the area.

6. Change subparagraph 6 (3) to read as follows (changes indicated in the usual manner):

""In view of the immediate urgency of the situation, involving possible large-scale Chinese Communist intervention, and in order that the United States may be prepared to take whatever action may be appropriate in such circumstances, make-the-plans necessary to carry out the courses of action indicated in subparagraph below.""

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