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12. In a letter to the Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, dated 20 December 1952, the Chief, MAAG, Indochina stated that the shortage of French Air Force personnel has had considerable adverse effect on operations. He mentioned that, as a conservative estimate, the sortie rate could be doubled if the personnel strength were increased by one-third. The U.S. Ambassador to Indochina and the U.S. Consul, Hanoi, have both reported that French officials in Indochina will press for an increase in the air force personnel ceiling for Indochina. It is believed the French should be encouraged through diplomatic channels to increase the Indochina air force ceiling.

13. Active combat participation by the United States in the Indochina operation is not favored in view of the capability of France and the Associated States to provide adequate forces therefor, and present United States world-wide military commitments.

14. However, in order to provide impetus and support to the military operations in Indochina, it is recommended that:


 * . The French Government be encouraged to take early action to augment the Vietnamese forces and increase their air force personnel strength in Indochina.


 * . Steps be taken to improve the port and air facilities in the Tonkin Delta area as early as practicable.


 * . The United States furnish material and financial support to assist in accomplishment of and  above upon receipt of a definite program from the French.


 * . The United States give serious consideration to utilizing this increased support to impress upon the French the necessity and desirability for granting the Associated States more responsibility with respect to expansion of their economic and political potentials, and to granting more autonomy to Vietnamese military forces.

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