Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3c.djvu/55

Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3
NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011

 

TOP SECRET

SENSITIVE

 

We recommend, therefore, that when NSC 5429 is prepared in final form, Section IV, COMMUNIST CHINA, be brought forward and redesignated Section I. However, for convenient reference, we have addressed our comments to the sections of the paper in their present order.

"b. The following detailed comments are addressed to the bracketed phrases and alternative courses of action set forth in the draft statement of policy, as well as to amendments and additions which are deemed desirable. (Changes are indicated in the usual manner.)

"(1) Page 3, subparagraph 1 c and page 4, paragraph 5. No preference is expressed with respect to including or omitting the bracketed phraseology.

"(2) Page 5, subparagraph 7 a. Alternative A is favored.

REASON: It is considered that the treaty should provide for the prompt and positive application of retaliatory measures against Communist China if it is determined that Communist China is a source of armed aggression, either direct or indirect. Any more limited provision would not constitute an adequate response to the aggression.

"(3) Page 6, paragraph 8. Alternative B is considered preferable.

"(4) Page 7, subparagraph 9 f. Amend to read as follows:

'f. Continue to exploit opportunities to further U.S. long-range objectives toward uniting Vietnam under a democratic form of government.'

"(5) Page 7, subparagraph 9 g. Delete both alternatives.

REASON: In light of subparagraph 9 f, a further statement on this subject is considered unnecessary.

"(6) Page 8, subparagraph 10 d. Stationing of token forces in or around Thailand is not favored. Accordingly it is recommended that Alternative B be rejected. While there is no objection to Alternative A, the necessity for its inclusion in a statement of policy with respect to Thailand is not apparent, since the visits of United States forces to friendly countries is a routine and well-established custom.

"(7) Pages 9 through 11, paragraphs 12, 13, 14, and 15. Among the four statements of alternative courses of action with respect to Communist China adoption of Alternative C (paragraph 14), amended to read as follows, is favored: