This page needs to be proofread.
Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3
NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
TOP SECRET - Sensitive
| 1955 | Page | |
| 234. | In light of the unstable situation in South Vietnam and conflicting view between General Collins and the State Department, Secretary Wilson requests the JCS to "reconsider" U.S. military programs in Southeast Asia. Secretary of Defense Memorandum for JCS, 5 January 1955 | 860 |
| 235. | The JCS provide additional courses of action in Vietnam to the Secretary of Defense. Specifically, (1) to continue aid; (2) to unilaterally institute an "advisory system"; (3) if (1) and (2) fail, to deploy unilaterally or with SEATO; (4) or to withdraw all U.S. support from South Vietnam and "concentrate on saving the remainder of Southeast Asia." JCS Memorandum for Secretary of Defense, 21 January 1955 | 862 |
| 236. | General J. Lawton Collins reports on the situation in South Vietnam. The major factors which will affect the outcome of U.S. efforts are: (i) Viet Minh strength and intentions; (2) French attitude and intentions; (3) sects attitudes and intentions; (4) Vietnamese armed forces loyalties; (5) free Vietnam economy, and (6) Diem's popular support. There is no guarantee that Vietnam will remain free with U.S. aid -- but without it, "Vietnam will surely be lost to communism." Memorandum for the National Security Council, 24 January 1955 | 864 |
| 237. | The Planning Board recommends approval of the Collins Report. NSC 234th Meeting, 27 January 1955 | 883 |
| 238. | The JCS recommend a concept and plans for the implementation, if necessary, of Article IV.1., of the Manila Pact (SEACDT). The primary objective is deterrence of "overt aggression by China or other Communist nations," The concept relies on development of indigenous forces and readiness to retaliate with U.S. power on the aggressor. JCS Memorandum for Secretary of Defense, 11 February 1955 | 885 |
| 239. | This memorandum describes the Department of Defense contribution to and participation in the Bangkok Conference on SEACDT. DOD Memorandum, forwarded 29 March 1955 | 888 |
| 240. | The U.S. proposal on elections is based on Eden's plan at Berlin, i.e., Free Vietnam will insist to the Viet Minh that no discussions on the type, issues, or other factors of elections are possible unless the Viet Minh accept the safe guards spelled out. Dulles 4361 to Saigon, 6 April 1955 | 892 |
XL
TOP SECRET - Sensitive
