751G.5 MAP/7–150: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation at Saigon
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 supplemental 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, autodefense 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 Korea indicate possible diversionary efforts elsewhere by Commies, Events may therefore require reassessment aid requirements Fr, involving additional assistance by US at expense aid Assoc States. Until such eventuality develops Dept will continue give strongest support possible to Assoc States in order development independent and stable govts shall not be impeded and their position strengthened in eyes internatl public opinion.
B. Military Aid Agreement.
Draft agreement transmitted Deptel 427, Jun 28,1 represents effort both to simplify requirements for furnishing mil assistance and to take due account of existing treaties, especially on mil matters, between Assoc States and Fr. In view Legtel 460,1 Para II, five party agreement now appears more realistic than bilaterals countersigned by Fr. Dept urgently awaits your comments re applicability in unusual Indochina situation.
C. Application Agreement.
1. Trans title, receipt, distribution, accounting, maintenance of US mil assistance furnished.
Dept desires be assured mil aid program will be administered in most efficient manner. Since forces Assoc States are not yet fully organized Dept hopes Fr and Assoc States will estab mutually suitable working arrangements (ref Legtel 460) and subsequently will work in close coop Leg and its MAAG to assure satis handling and utilization of US mil aid provided.
Reftel Para II indicates Fr and Assoc States already developing such working arrangement for mil equip destined Assoc States. Dept and Def proceeding assumption procedures outlined now effective, and particularly that (a) HMC is official consignee equip destined each Assoc State; (b) mem or rep of HMC has been or will be designated to take title to and receipt for such equip; and (c) actual unloading, reception, assembling, distribution, protection, and continued maintenance, including stocking of spare parts, such equip will be as indicated. Desire Leg confirm.
D. Aid to Unofficial Forces.
Dept concurs mil aid shld be supplied units such as Caodai, Catholics, etc. Such aid, however, shld not be given direct either by US or Fr. Dept strongly feels aid to these units must be distributed only by Assoc States, at discretion of Chiefs of State with concurrence Fr. Such aid shld prove excellent polit weapon encourage integration these currently useful but potentially troublesome groups with regular forces Assoc States. As active part of natl forces these units shld prove to be valuable assistance guerrilla fighting. Uncontrolled, with possibility direct aid, they may well become embarrassing liability. Pls rpt to Paris as 5.