NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
TOP SECRET
- directly to the Associated States instead of through the French. Such action might appropriately as taken upon the conclusion of or during the later phases of the Geneva conference.
- Action: Operations Coordinating Board
Militarily
1. A general officer of two-star rank, as designated by the Department of Defense, should be appointed Chief, MAAG, Indo-China, upon relief of the present Chief in February 1954. He will be subject to the coordination of the U.S. Ambassador to Indo-China, but will be under the military command of U.S. Commander-in Chief, Pacific.He will command all U.S. military personnel and covert assets in Indo-China relative to his mission and will be personally responsible for preventing the involvement of uniformed U.S. personnel in combat.
2. Subsequent to the receipt of French governmental approval (and desirably at their invitation), but at the earliest possible time, the Chief, MAAG, Indo-China, should be provided with necessary staff sections, and assigned additional duties involving expanded liaison with the French and Vietnam forces. He should be directed and authorized to advise and assist the Franco-Vietnamese command in training and planning, and to make recommendations concerning the conduct of operations. In this connection he should urgently seek the following:
- a. Development and implementation of a sound concept and operational plan for the conduct of operations in Indo-China.
TOP SECRET
