851G.10/12–2751: Telegram
The Minister at Saigon (Heath) to the Secretary of State
1280. I sent fol ltr today to Pres Huu (Deptel 788, Dec 13 [12] and Legtel 1276, Dec 27).1
“I have the honor to refer to our conversation of Nov 9, 1951, at which time I expressed to you the concern of the US Govt at the lack of a budget for the state of Vietnam. Under instrs from the US Govt I now wish to confirm these views. In the absence of a budget, it is very difficult for the US Govt adequately to assess the amt of econ and milit aid which it ought to supply, to know to which fields its efforts ought to be addressed, or to measure the efficacy of its assistance. In the near future the US exec depts will be required to present their plans for regular and supplementary econ and milit aid programs for Vietnam to the reviewing agencies and to the US Cong. Without a budget the task of justifying these aid programs to the office of the Pres (Bureau of the Budget) and to the Cong is rendered much more difficult.
“Altho the US Govt and the Leg are well aware of the many heavy and peculiar difficulties confronting the Viets Govt, partly growing out of the recent transfer of powers and wartime conditions, it nevertheless hopes that the Viet Govt will find it possible to complete its budget preparation and to publish a budget in due form in the near future.
“You will also recall that you have from time to time been good enough to discuss with me your efforts to constitute the Ministry of Def as effectively and as soon as possible. The US Govt shares your concern, especially since its contemplated aid programs are increasingly [Page 579] directed to the equipping of the Viets Natl Army. I have had many occasions to appreciate your own great contributions to the creation of the army and to the planning for its admin, and I have wondered that you have been able to do so much while carrying on your other heavy duties. It is my understanding, however, that for some time the possibility of designating an outstanding full-time Min of Def to carry on with the work inaugurated by you has been under consideration. My govt ventures to hope that in the interest of more effective use of US milit aid such an appointment can soon be made.
“I look forward to receiving your views on these subjs and I shall be pleased to communicate them to my govt.
“I shld like to take this opportunity to express my pleasure at your return to your high post after the important first mtg of the High Council of the Fr Union. I shld like also to congratulate you upon the valorous conduct of the Natl Army of Vietnam in its initial trials and to renew my wishes for its continued success and that of the Govt of His Majesty Bao Dai.
“Pls accept, etc.”
Sent Dept 1280, rptd info Paris 495, Hanoi unnumbered.
- The latter telegram is not printed.↩