NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
TOP SECRET
our MAAG training personnel could be increased beyond the 342 figure, if it were done quietly and over a period of months. While I am not a layer, I have carefully studied Article 16 of the Geneva agreement with respect to Vietnam and can find nowhere in this Article any basis for interpretations which Mendes appears to place on introductions of US training personnel. Fact is the 342 US total comprised Air Force technicians and MAAG Logistical personnel. These must be converted largely to personnel competent to train the Vietnamese Army.
6. After discussing with Radford above details and other factors concerning situation here, we were in accord that if NSC is to re-evaluate our policies in late January, to be followed perhaps by US, British-French consultations, it would be desirable for me to be present Washington during these discussions. Even the best modern communications lack the personal touch and give~and-take exchange of ideas which I would think could be essential if we are to make sound re-evaluation of our policies with respect to Vietnam.
LMS:JAK-6
TOP SECRET
