485. Letter From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Gray) to the Secretary of State 1
Dear Mr. Secretary: For some time the Department of Defense has been interested in establishing military facilities in Thailand. The [Page 854] military services have now concluded a review of outstanding requirements, which are approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A consolidated list of detailed requirements is attached2 for your information and appropriate use.
Cost studies indicate that approximately $9 million will be required to develop facilities to meet these military requirements. The Department of Defense will request authorization and appropriations for the necessary construction.
In view of the military importance of these projects, it is recommended that the Department of State initiate necessary negotiations to secure appropriate agreement with the Government of Thailand as soon as you consider it politically feasible to do so. In view of the amount of construction required, the duration of this agreement should not be less than twenty years.
If you concur with this recommendation, representatives of the Department of Defense will be prepared to assist in the preparation of appropriate negotiating instructions and will also be prepared to send an advisor to assist the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand during the course of negotiations.
Sincerely yours,