358. Letter From the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Stump) to the Chief of the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Vietnam (Williams)1
Dear General Williams: Ambassador Reinhardt’s excellent report, “Program Evaluation—Vietnam,” a copy of which you forwarded me on 8 December 1956,2 is of much interest to me and my staff. In my opinion, the report effectively summarizes the results of the U.S. effort in Vietnam to date and realistically forecasts developments expected in the immediate future.
Of particular interest is the Ambassador’s evaluation of MAAG’s contribution to the establishment of a stable government in South Vietnam. The last paragraph on page 6 of the report was quoted in a recent CINCPAC message to CNO. You and all your personnel should feel great satisfaction in the MAAG’s accomplishments and be assured that I point with pride to the results of our military aid efforts in Vietnam, and to the part you have played in achieving them.
In this connection, General Magruder,3 during his stay here, gave me his observations on his recent trip. He likewise considers that remarkable progress has been made in all aspects of the aid program and particularly in the activities of TERM and I was happy to hear that he also appreciated your efforts in Saigon and the fine relations you have with the Vietnamese. However, he did express some concern over any efforts which might be made to reduce or eliminate TERM on the basis of the progress that has been made or upon completion of the task of segregating and cataloging the excess property now in Vietnam. He feels there is a need for continued effort by this group in training the Vietnamese armed forces in proper logistic procedures and increasing their capability to provide adequate logistic support for their own forces. I know you concur in this idea and I certainly agree this must be done.
During our discussion it occurred to me that if we move out the reparable and usable property promptly but not be in too big a hurry to move the junk and scrap, it might provide visible evidence of a continuing project. With all the checks that are being made on TERM, any indication that they had cleaned things up and show evidence of completing their task would cause increased pressure from many quarters to remove the group and thereby lose their services [Page 762] for the other aspects of their task. This may be one instance where neat and orderly outward appearance may prove detrimental.
You might give this thought some consideration in any efforts to lessen pressure for the removal of the TERM personnel. Further, if you have any ideas on methods that might prove beneficial, I would be glad to have them. As the excellent progress being made by this group continues, I am sure we shall hear more about their withdrawal.
Your reports are always most helpful to me and I appreciate you keeping me informed on all the activities in Vietnam.
With warm regards and best wishes for your continued success in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Felix B. Stump
Admiral U.S. Navy