Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3c.djvu/185

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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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a. Maintain the security of the Pacific off-shore !island chain (Japan, Ryukyus, Formosa and the Pescadores, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand) as an element essential to U.S. security; assisting in developing such military strength in each area as is required by U.S. security and is consistent with each area's capability and maintenance of domestic stability.

b. In the event of unprovoked attack on the Republic of Korea, employ, in accordance with Constitutional processes, U. S. armed forces against the aggressor. While supporting the unification of Korea by all peaceful means and maintaining appropriate safeguards against ROK offensive action, continue military and economic assistance programs consistent with U.S. security interests and subject to continued ROK cooperation.

c. Ratify the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Republic of China covering Formosa and the Pescadores, and jointly agree upon appropriate safeguards against Chinese Nationalist offensive action. Pending the ratification of such a Treaty, continue the existing unilateral arrangement to defend Formosa and the Pescadores (excluding the Nationalist held off-shore islands). For the present, seek to preserve, through United Nations action, the status quo of the Nationalist-held off-shore islands; and, without committing U. S. forces except as militarily desirable in the event of Chinese Communist attack on Formosa and the

NSC 5429/5
840
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