Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3b.djvu/162

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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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(B) However, should the immediate situation in Indo-China deteriorate drastically or should French intransigence make the substantial accomplishment of the program outlined herein impossible, the U.S. may wish to consider direct military action in Southeast Asia to ensure the maintenance of our vital interests in the area. Under such circumstances, an area concept including Malaya, Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, and the Philippines, as well as Indo-China, would appear essential. These ramifications are to be considered in Part II of this study as assigned to the Special Committee.

(C) It is recommended that this program be approved by the Operations Coordinating Board and submitted to the President for immediate implementation.

(D) It is also recommended that the Department of Defense develop for the immediate attention of the Special Committee, a concept of operations and considerations involved in tho use of U.S. armed forces in Indo-China, should such involvement to determined upon.

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