120.251G/12–2354: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1
2572. Personal for Collins.
Dear Joe: This is to let you know that I will be thinking of you on Christmas. You are doing a grand job and even though the outlook may seem somewhat discouraging to you who are in Vietnam, we believe that not only have you made real progress but just as important you are gaining the time which is so essential for us to strengthen the adjacent free area. I recognize the great difficulties in trying to develop a program to strengthen and preserve South Vietnam but just as important is the time which the next year or so will give us to bolster and make secure Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Merry Christmas to you and every good wish for the New Year. Faithfully yours, Foster Dulles.
- Drafted by MacArthur↩