Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Southeast Asia, Volume XXII

480. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Sebald) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Murphy)¹

Washington, October 5, 1955.

SUBJECT

• State–JCS Consideration of MDAP Objectives in Thailand

Discussion:

The recently completed 1290–d study on Thailand² concluded that the present Thai Armed Forces exceed in number those required to maintain internal security. Other bases for justification of the excess such as to deter or retard external aggression, to contribute to collective regional security or for covert psychological or political reasons were considered beyond the purview of the 1290–d report.

Despatch No. 143 of September 15 from Bangkok³ recommends that the statement of MDAP objectives for Thailand⁴ be expanded to include assistance in organizing, equipping, and training the Armed Forces of Thailand so as to enable them to deter and resist local external Communist aggression and contribute to a collective defense effort under the Manila Pact.

In view of Communist inroads in Laos and the weakness of Cambodia and South Viet-Nam, there is justification for U.S. maintenance and support of force levels in Thailand in excess of those required purely for internal Thai security. In addition, while no Infrastructure for SEACDT is contemplated there remains political and psychological advantage in Thai knowledge that part of their Armed Forces are being supported to strengthen militarily the collective security concept in Southeast Asia.

Recommendation:

State–JCS approval be obtained to amend the statement of MDAP objectives for Thailand in FY 1957 to read as follows:

“To assist in organizing, equipping and training the Armed Forces of Thailand so as to enable them to (1) maintain internal security, (2) deter and resist local external Communist aggression, and (3) contribute to a collective defense effort under the Manila Pact.”⁵

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.5–MSP/10–555. Top Secret. Drafted by Foster.
2. See Document 484.
3. Not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 792.5–MSP/9–1555)
4. As outlined in despatch 143, the proposed MDAP objectives for Thailand for fiscal year 1957, developed by the Department of Defense in July 1955, read as follows: “To assist in organizing, training and equipping the armed forces of Thailand essential to the maintenance of internal security.”
5. In a staff meeting on October 14 between the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a group of senior officials of the Department of State, led by Murphy, the Joint Chiefs of Staff agreed to the proposed revision of MDAP objectives for Thailand. (Department of State, State–JCS Meetings: Lot 61 D 417)