897.00TA/7–2850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Singapore 1
61. Urtel 63 Jul 28.2 On return Griffin Mission Dept decided not handle Malaya recommendations as ECA program similar other SEA countries but treat police radio and roadbuilding projects as nucleus possible small mil aid program under Sec 303 MDAA and execute Chi education project either with Pt 4 funds or through Dept’s USIE with special funds which may become available.3
Dept did not immediately press firm mil aid program Malaya in view (1) lack clear UK endorsement and justification Federation request (2) pressure on then available appropriation and priority other SEA programs (3) belief that possible mil aid program shld go beyond two projects Griffin Mission able recommend.
Brit Emb was accordingly informed in response its inquiries US Govt willing initially consider as possible mil aid program not only two Griffin endorsed projects but also fol projects submitted Griffin by Federation Govt: police armored vehicles and jeeps, police marine transport, Chi speaking police interpreters (refer Federation Govt [Page 131] Doc FS 784/50 enclosure 2 Kuala Lumpur’s Desp 19 Apr 14, 1950)4 or additional or substitute projects of equal urgency in connection anti-bandit campaign. Emb informed US aid if provided wld be ltd those specific essential items not produced UK or available US significantly earlier UK supply date. Emb was requested submit firm request US mil aid these terms together with UK supply data each item. Reply awaited.
Fol para urinfo. No decision here as to whether, and if so, in what amount, grant aid might be provided Malaya. Depends upon report SEA MDAP Mission, relative priorities, importance equipment desired to success UK operations Malaya, etc. and total sums available Sec 303. No further funds available under FY 1950 appropriation.
Dept agrees importance Chi education project but action awaits determination what funds can be employed.
ConGen pls pass above MDAP Mission. ConGen and Con Kuala Lumpur may in their discretion also transmit contents Brit auths except para urinfo.