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 In reply refer to IC

March 1, 1950

The Honorable Robert Allen Griffin, Chief, Economic Survey Mission to the Southeast Asian Countries.

Sir:

I am pleased to inform you that the President has approved your designation as Chief of the .Economic Survey Mission to the Southeast Asian Countries, with the personal rank of Minister. There is enclosed the Presidents letter of appointment.

This Mission has been established with the following basic objectives: (1) To determine justifiable projects needed in the countries to be visited for financing out of funds appropriated by Congress pursuant to Section 303 of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act which will have immediate political significance; (2) To lay the groundwork for the anticipated Point 4 program in the Southeast Asian countries, with special attention given to the problem of avoiding disillusionment by keeping proposed projects within a proper perspective; (3) To advise the local authorities en the preparation for the Point 4 program, particularly with reference to the local condition? that will be required for Point 4 assistance, the extent and kind of participation which would be required of then in any joint project, and to the anticipated operating methods; (4) To brief the United States representatives in the area on current Department thinking regarding the anticipated Point 4 program; and (5) To investigate regional aspects of technical assistance programs. More detailed instructions for the conduct of this Mission will be furnished you in separate communications and nay be supplemented from time to time by cable.

Since this is an official government Mission, it must act as a unit and express the views of the Government rather than the views of individuals© As Chief, you shall be responsible for such coordinated action, and in the event of disagreement within the Mission, your decision shall be final and binding. However Rh