210. Telegram From the Department of State to the Secretary of State at New Delhi 1

Tedul 22. It is becoming increasingly apparent that our difficulties in many parts of the world are result of our not fulfilling [Page 460] military commitments to foreign governments, both large and small, which they had entered into with us in good faith.

The Pakistan case is typical. A three year commitment for end items and direct forces support, now estimated to cost $350 million, was entered into in September 1954. With the period almost half gone, in early 1956, we have delivered only $21 million of hardware and little if any direct support. The same situation appears to exist in many other countries.

[Here follows a brief description of the overall problems connected with Defense spending and a suggestion that Secretary Dulles might wish to make first-hand inquiries regarding the military aid situation in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Korea during his trip.]

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 62 D 181, CF 679. Top Secret; Priority; Eyes Only. Drafted by Hoover and approved by Barnes. The Secretary was in New Delhi as part of his post-SEATO trip to several Asian countries. Additional documentation is ibid., FE Conference Files: Lot 60 D 514.