452. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense McNamara to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Bundy)0
Washington, June 15,
1962.
In connection with the “$20 million Thailand logistic support program”,1 I stated to the President that:
- a.
- We would handle the project in such a way as to limit the net gold drain to $2 million.
- b.
- All movements of both matériel and personnel would be made without publicity.
- c.
- The personnel movements associated with the project would be both delayed and supported within the present strength of U.S. personnel assigned to Thailand. The latter objective can be met by substituting construction units for combat units.
Further, I told Dean Rusk we would discuss the personnel movements with State before undertaking them.
Robert S.
McNamara2
- Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Thailand, Vol. III, 6/1/62–6/15/62. No classification marking. A copy was sent to McGeorge Bundy at the White House. Notes on the source text, which is McGeorge Bundy’s copy, in his hand read: “Hold for President Monday” and “President approved June 18.”↩
- In joint State-Defense telegram 2089 to Bangkok, June 27, the Department informed the Embassy of the approval and explained that the program was meant to increase the readiness and ability of U.S. and allied forces to act promptly if the need arose. The U.S.-financed program would provide Thailand with additional railway rolling stock, a petroleum/oil/lubricant pipeline, improved airstrips, depots at Korat and Udorn for prepositioning and storage of heavy engineer equipment, a floating crane, communications equipment, 7 HU-1 helicopters, and prepositioned aircraft repair and U.S. Army engineering equipment. (Department of State, Central Files, 792.5/6–2782)↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩