135. Memorandum for the 40 Committee1
SUBJECT
- The Provincial Reconnaissance Unit Program in Vietnam
1. Summary
CIA has supported the Provincial Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) program in Vietnam since its inception in 1964.2 The Government of Vietnam (GVN) had been expected to assume full financial and logistical support for the PRU program at the end of FY 1971. The GVN, however, asserts that it is unable to assume the full costs of the PRU in FY 1972. It is therefore proposed to continue partial funding of the PRU at the reduced level of [dollar amount not declassified] in FY 1972 to ensure the existence during a politically important period of a force which is both unique and effective in countering the communist political apparatus. This partial support would permit the GVN to accomplish an orderly absorption of the PRU into the National Police Field Force (NPFF). This proposal has the approval of Ambassador Samuel Berger, acting on behalf of Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker, and of Ambassador Marshall Green, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.3
[Omitted here is the body of the memorandum.]
- Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, 40 Committee Meetings. Secret; Eyes Only.↩
- For information on the PRU program, see Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, volume VI, Vietnam, January–August 1968, Document 143.↩
- In an undated memorandum to Kissinger, Holdridge endorsed the proposal and added: “Again, however, we suggest that you emphasize that concrete steps be taken this year to prepare for a U.S. phase-out at the end of FY 1972. The GVN should be made to understand that this is the last year the PRU program will receive U.S. support.” (National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject Files, Vietnam 14 Jan 1971–22 Dec 1971) According to a memorandum for the record, October 22, by Jessup, the 40 Committee approved continued support for a 3,500-force level and [dollar amount not declassified] in assistance for FY 1972 during a March 10 meeting. (Ibid.)↩