Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Vietnam, Volume I

31. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Vietnam¹

Washington, September 3, 1958—9:11 p.m.

312. Your 2517² and Despatch 468.³

1. In view serious internal security problem, particularly high rate assassination local government officials, we concerned re continued impasse in Civil Guard negotiations with GVN reported ref messages. Report any subsequent developments and your recommendations if impasse persists.

2. We wonder if it may become necessary drop our insistence on GVN commitment retain Civil Guard under civilian control as condition precedent to initiation Civil Guard assistance program. As alternative would it be feasible request GVN agreement consult U.S. prior any change in existing jurisdictional status of Civil Guard and reserve right terminate assistance to Civil Guard if mutually satisfactory arrangements could not be agreed upon at time of future shift? In this connection request your estimate re timing Diem plan shift Civil Guard to Defense Department, probable ICC reaction from both force levels and equipment viewpoints, and effect re MAAG ceiling proposal now under consideration.

3. Also request your views re possible alternatives to GVN commitment to effect gradual reduction to 32,000 in number Civil Guard personnel. As alternative would commitment for elimination or substantial reduction Self Defense Corps now numbering about 50,000 be obtainable? Would be understood of course that U.S. would not provide training and equipment for more than 32,000 members Civil Guard.

4. Suggestions in paras 2 and 3 not yet cleared with all U.S. agencies involved and should therefore not be discussed with GVN.⁴

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751G.5–MSP/6–2158. Secret. Drafted by Mendenhall. Cleared by Kocher and by OSD in substance, and approved by Palmer. Repeated for information to CINCPAC.
2. Document 20.
3. See footnote 6, ibid.
4. The Country Team replied to this in telegram in Toica 393 from Saigon, September 9, 1958, making recommendations along the broad lines set forth in Williams’ memorandum, supra. Toica 393 is in Washington National Records Center, RG 286, ICA Records: FRC 60 A 482, W–130.