795.00/7–2850
The Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews) to the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Foreign Military Affairs and Assistance (Burns)
My Dear General Burns: I refer to the Secretary of State’s letter of July 24, 19501 to the Secretary of Defense on the subject of general policy on offers of military assistance by members of the United Nations in support of the operation in Korea. On the basis of preliminary indications from the Department of Defense in the case of particular countries, the Department has already taken steps actively to encourage commitments to provide such assistance by certain governments, such as the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand. In order to extend these efforts, it is necessary to have an indication from the Department of Defense of those countries on whose governments we should concentrate our efforts. Without [Page 474] prejudice to suggesting future additions, I would appreciate it if you could secure for me from the Department of Defense its views on our proposed approach to the governments of the countries listed below for the purpose of securing from them a promise to provide ground forces:
| United Kingdom | Thailand |
| Canada | Philippines |
| Australia | Brazil |
| New Zealand | Belgium |
| Pakistan | Netherlands |
| India | Turkey |
| Argentina | Greece |
| France | Union of South Africa |
Parenthetically, it should be rioted that Thailand has already made a specific offer of 4,000 infantry subject to confirmation by its King.
It would also be helpful if in your reply you could inform the Department of the minimum requirements as, for example, to size of unit and arrangements for self-supply in order that we might put our request upon the proper basis. In this connection, it would also be helpful if you could indicate in the case of countries such as France which have defense obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty, what would be the maximum force which the Department of Defense feels could be detached for service in Korea without seriously weakening defense arrangements elsewhere with which this government is concerned.
Finally, I would appreciate it if the Department of Defense would give urgent consideration to the possibility of enlisting Philippine nationals with combat experience in the United States Army. As you know, the Philippine Government has stated that former Philippine scouts to the number of 26,000 are available to volunteer for service with the United Nations in Korea. The Department is replying to the Philippine Government’s offer that the United States welcomes all offers of military aid and assumes in the case of this offer that such Philippine forces would be paid by the Philippine Government and would serve under the Philippine flag. Notwithstanding this possibility, the Department is most anxious to have the alternative of their enlistment in the United States Army explored.
Sincerely yours,