Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part V. B. 2. b.djvu/98



7510.5-MAP/7-150:

AMLEGATION,

SAIGON, No 4.

TOMAP

DEPT desires clarify principles governing US MIL aid Indochina and ascertain that all parties to agreement fully understand and concur in arrangements for division of aid, TRANS of title, reception, distribution, accounting, maintenance and use this aid.

A. Principles.


 * Basic principles governing grant of aid are:

1. Provide MIL assistance as supplementary to FR assistance, and with their concurrence, to the three ASSOC States in order assist them in achieving internal security. It is firmly believed that such security is essential prerequisite ESTAB of stable economy and conditions wherein ECON assistance and aid such as Point IV can effectively be applied. Aid to States will enable them develop their regular armies and to extent considered desirable in accordance Section D, below, their irregular forces (garde civile, auto-defense units). Fighting conditions Indochina make it desirable utilize to greater extent native troops adaptable to conditions of area.

2. Provide assistance army of FR Union so that this force may be strengthened in its resistance to COMMIE aggression both from within and without Indochina.

PRES Truman's statement JUN 27 confirms DEPT's belief that as FR forces represent only important unit in area capable decisive MIL action, a particular effort must be made assist them. US MIL aid, however, will continue supplement and not replace direct FR efforts in area.

3. Recent developments its Korea indicate possible diversionary efforts elsewhere by COMMIES. Events may therefore

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