NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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However, Dr. Quat added in strictest confidence that when last in Paris he had discussed this problem with Marshal Juin. The Marshal asked why the Vietnamese had not found it possible to find officers "elsewhere." Quat at that time had made a request of Defense Minister Pleven for French reserve officers, promising the pay and accoutrement of active officers in the line plus an insurance policy. However, the French replied that their reserves were very scarce in number and that most of the ex-officer personnel were now in civil life.
I inquired whether, if it met with general agreement, it would be possible to pay American reserve officers, should they seek employment in the Vietnamese National forces, at the rate of salary they had received when serving in American uniform. I likewise inquired if retired American colonels who were qualified to serve as Generals of Division could be given division command, rank and pay. The Defense Minister thought that, if the principle were accepted, means of payment and rank could be worked out.
Dr. Quat said, again in terms of strictest confidence, that he had received permission from Baa Dai to elaborate plans for development of a national militia. He said the matter was a delicate one, as it had not met with complete French acquiescence, and he requested that the matter be discussed with the French. However, his studies of how to improve the militia were almost completed, and he thought that soon His Majesty would authorize him to approach the Chief of MAAG, the American Ambassador, or the reporting officer with the request for American aid to arm, train, and equip a Vietnamese National Militia.
I queried the Minister as to what progress had been made in psychological warfare, stressing his belief that competence in this field was "half the battle" in such a war as that which prevails in Indochina.
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