751G.5/4–753: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy at Saigon1
1967. During French talks Washington March 27–31, Letourneau outlined strategic concept military operations Indochina looking toward substantial defeat of organized enemy forces by first half 1955. Basis is augmentation National Armies Associated States during calendar years 53–55 so as to relieve French Union and Vietnamese regulars now tied down in static defense duties and increase mobile reserves for offensive operations against enemy regular forces in North. Details will be pouched. Brief résumé follows:
- Calendar year ’53: No change over 40,000 man increase already announced. End items from presently programmed FY 53 MDAP.
- Calendar year ’54: Additional 57,000 Viet-Nam; Cambodia–Laos 6,650. Additional end item equipment from US above regular program estimated cost $81 million. French and Associated States fiscal contribution at same rate calendar ’53 would leave deficit approximately $231 million.
- Calendar year ’55: Viet-Nam 23,000; Cambodia–Laos 2,000. Equipment from US at cost $10 million. Fiscal deficit approximately $299.3 million.
All above in addition “regular” eight division program for Viet-Nam and comparable Cambodian-Laos programs. No formal request that US assume deficits for ’54 and ’55 but French intent clear that is their plan. Program will be studied further by Department and Defense.
- Drafted by Philip W. Bonsal, Director of PSA, and Robert E. Hoey, Officer in Charge of Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia Affairs. Also sent to Paris as telegram 5133 and to London by pouch.↩