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13 March 1953

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OP DEFENSE


 * Subject: Broadening the Participation of the United States in the Indochina Operation.

1. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have re-examined the problems of United States participation in the Indochina operation as requested by your memorandum dated 19 January 1953, subject as above, and submit herewith their comments and recommendations.

2. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have considered broadening U.S. participation In the Indochina operation both from within and without the framework of the Mutual Defense Assistance program (MDAP) with a view toward speeding and improving the development of indigenous combat forces and supporting logistical and operating facilities. Special consideration has been, as given requested by your office, to the braining of indigenous forces and maintenance of U.S. supplied equipment by U.S. personnel.

3. NSC 124/2 with regard to Indochina states in part that "…we should use our influence with France and Associated States to promote positive political, military, economic and social policies," and "Continued recognition and carrying out by France of its primary responsibility for the defense of Indochina." NSC 124/2 also states that … "Our influence with the French and Associated States should be designed to further those constructive political, economic and social measures which will tend to increase the stability of the Associated States and thus make it possible for the French to reduce the degree of their participation in the military, economic and political affairs of the Associated States." In keeping with the foregoing policy, the Joint Chiefs of Staff consider that actions to broaden U.S. participation in Indochina would require sensitive selection and application to avoid any semblance of usurpation, of French responsibilities and prerogatives. It is anticipated that any attempt by the United States to intrude in the French military responsibilities in Indochina would be strongly resisted, but the U.S.

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