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last summer (21 were provided by US), sufficient crews were available for normal maintenance. It was expected these would be used for tactical drops of parachute troops. No (rpt no) sustained air lift operation was or could have been forseen at that tine. With loss of Nghialo and the ensuing necessary decision of French command to attempt hold Na San to prevent overrunning that country and Laos, an air lift had to be instituted. As a result, the C-47's are operating at several times the normal rate, entailing urgent increased maintenance.

As an alternative to sending American mechanics, Trapnell and I have suggested possibility of the 36& planes being sent for repairs and checks to Clark Field, Trip to Manila would add extra flying time to the planes, but that might be the more practical operation. I can see no (rpt no) policy objection either to despatching American maintenance crews for a few weeks stay here or providing maintenance at Clark Field. On several occasions we have provided mechanical specialists for brief periods for instruction and repair of certain American equipment. This emergency maintenance is vital to holding of Na San and for meeting any other emergency air-borne operations.

General Chassis, CINC French Air Force Fe, arrives today from Tonkin to consult with Trapnell.

HEATH

Rh