Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3b.djvu/169

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

be willing to become a signatory to such agreements upon invitation, as in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Formosa.

Action: State, Defense, CIA

c. As an immediate move in this direction, the U.S. -- working through indigenous channels -- should sponsor the negotiation of a mutual defense treaty directed against Communist aggression between the several states of Indo-China and Thailand, and particularly between Cambodia and Thailand.

Action: CIA Defense, State

(4) The U.S, should undertake the immediate organization within the several states of Southeast Asia of an increased number of military units, including guerrilla and para-military organizations, as well as anti-subversion police forces, In particular, this should be accomplished in Thailand and if possible in Indonesia and Burma. This should include the establishment of U.S. military missions through the assignment of U.S. officers who might, where necessary, serve on a contract basis with local military forces, In addition, the U.S. should stand ready to offer such assistance in Malaya as the UK may require.

Action: State, Defense, CIA

(5) The U.S. should take the initiative in establishing an International Volunteer Air Croup to be used in Indo-China and elsewhere as required. In addition, the U.S. should consider the advisability of establishing an International Volunteer Corps of ground forces for use in Southeast Asia, So long as the French retain the major responsibility for military operations, such

352


TOP SECRET