Executive Secretariat Files: Lot 53D250: Under Secretary’s Meetings
Minutes of the Under Secretary’s Meeting, Department of State, November 8, 19501
UM M–266
[Extract]
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Mission to Southeast Asia2
7. Mr. Melby reported on his mission with General Erskine to Southeast Asia. This mission included State, military and ECA people.
8. When the mission was in Indochina the military situation was in a quiescent period and this condition permitted the mission to travel over a good part of Indochina. The French military forces are active during the day but retire to their defenses at night. At night the Viet Minh forces hold forth and carry on their normal operations which include not only raids on villages but the collection of taxes, rice, etc. The Viet Minh forces have lost considerable support by their vicious use of communist tactics. When the mission was first in Indochina the French were preparing for an offensive but the Viet Minh leadership apparently found out about this and it anticipated them by launching their own offensive. The serious situation in Indochina is evident by the fact that one-half of the French Army, one-half of the French air force, and one-fourth of the navy are tied up in Indochina, but they are still unable to control the country. The military representatives on the mission felt that the French were justified in recently [Page 156] pulling back from some of their positions but the extent of their retreat was probably not warranted.
9. At the present time Hanoi and the Red River Delta are in jeopardy and the chances of this whole area being lost is possible. If the French can hold this area until a national Vietnamese Army is formed, there would be considerable support. The formation of a Vietnamese Army is important militarily and politically. In addition, if the Army is formed the psychology of the Vietnam would be completely changed. However, they need many arms and officers in order to form such an army. Because the loss of French officers in Indochina has been greater than the output of the French military schools, it is not hopeful that the French could supply the necessary training officers to form cadres for this national army. It cannot be expected that the French could or should make any more concessions. The problem is to instill confidence in the Vietnam and assist them in obtaining a realistic concept of their needs and the conduct of their affairs. The Vietnam must be compelled in every possible way to have a more responsible attitude toward their affairs. Of course it should be pointed out that if the French left, Ho Chi Minh would quickly take over the country.
10. The favorable position of Malaya should be credited to a considerable extent to the work of Malcolm MacDonald. The so-called Briggs plan is enforced now by which forces sweep the country of bandits, killing them and their assistants as they go along. As they move through the country and find people who have no land, land is deeded outright to them. Also local police are established and general economic and social reforms take place. Considerable progress has been made in giving some of the people basic education. The success of this experiment has been extremely good. The attitude of the people in Malaya is very good and they sincerely believe that the British are attempting to give them self-government. There is no opposition to the British except to the bandits which are systematically being cleaned out.
11. Siam is openly committed to our side and deserves our support. The Siamese military force consists of men who are excellently trained but who are without equipment. They have 19th century arms and no ammunition but take a great deal of pride in maintaining their equipment and vigorously following a most rigid training program. One of the problems in Siam is that there are too many old generals who have political influence. The Siamese feel that they should have 11 divisions but this is partly rationalized by the fact that such a number would take care of all the generals which they now have. The army is impressive because of their willingness to be trained and because of their excellent morale.
12. In Indonesia the mission was unable to make a complete investigation, [Page 157] even though the reception was cordial. The government officials pointed out that their present policy is one of neutrality and therefore could not reach an understanding with the mission. Ambassador Cochran feels that given a reasonable period of time the Indonesians will come around to the acceptance of some U.S. support. It was pointed out that the Indian Ambassador here has made violent speeches against the U.S.
13. In the Philippines the problem is more one of correcting the corruption in the government and of assisting in the necessary social and economic reforms. We cannot afford failure in this area and the Filipinos want our help. The Huks are increasing in strength but it is almost certain that their strength would decline perceptibly if the economic situation in the Philippines improved.
14. In summary the people in Southeast Asia are sympathetic toward the U.S. and are not supporters of communism. However, it should be recognized that generally the people in this area are sympathetic toward Ho Chi Minh because he is now fighting the French. Among the possible recommendations which might be suggested are such proposals as having a stockpile program for Southeast Asia, probably located in the Philippines. Also, it might be wise, if conditions permit, for the U.S. to have two American divisions readied in the Philippines. Another possibility might be to reactivate the Philippine scouts, which has certain disadvantages, or provide payment for two or three Philippine divisions. In this regard it should be noted that the Philippine Government cannot support an enlarged army and some support would have to be given by the U.S. Another suggestion is to set up a regional MDAP organization which would operate in Southeast Asia as an American organization for coordinating political, economic and military problems in this area.
15. Mr. Melby was complimented by the Secretary for his excellent presentation. Mr. Ohly pointed out that the Melby mission is a good example of how such a group can work efficiently together.