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Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3
NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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| 197. | Regarding…the assumption by the U.S. of the responsibility for training the Vietnamese Army, Secretary Wilson forwards the JCS view as representing the Defense Department position to Secretary Dulles. Secretary of Defense Letter to Secretary of State, 12 August 1954 | 717 |
| 198. | The JCS concur in the view that a statement of intent to conclude a treaty establishing a collective security arrangement in the Far East should be issued by the countries which intend to be treaty members. The JCS list the provisions which the treaty should incorporate. JCS Memorandum for Secretary of Defense, 13 August 1954 | 719 |
| 199. | Secretary Wilson expresses the Defense views on the draft "Southeast Asia Collective Security Treaty" which include the JCS position. In his view, the recent developments in Geneva and Indochina increases the urgency for a "comprehensive United States policy with respect to the Far East region as a whole." Secretary of Defense Letter to Secretary of State, 17 August 1954 | 725 |
| 200. | Secretary Dulles replies to the JCS: 4 preconditions with the assertion that "one of the most efficient means of enabling the Vietnamese Government to become strong is to assist it in reorganizing the National army and in training that army." Even though Vietnam could not meet the U.S. prerequisites, Dulles believes that strengthening the army was a prerequisite to political stability. Secretary of State Memorandum to Secretary of Defense, 18 August 1954 | 728 |
| 201. | The U.S. policy with respect to Southeast Asia provides for negotiating a collective security treaty, considers appropriate action in the event of local subversion, and outlines political and covert action. NSC 5429/2, 20 August 1954 | 731 |
| 202. | The President has approved the policy that henceforth aid to Indochina would be direct rather than through the medium of the French Government. Further, State feels the Government should respond affirmat ively to Cambodia's request for assistance in training the Royal Cambodian Army. Secretary of State Letter to Secretary of Defense, 26 August 1954 | 742 |
| 203. | Australia welcomes establishment of SEATO and is prepared to make an increased military contribution to the defense of the area. Australian Aide-Memoire, 31 August 1954 | 743 |
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