531. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand1
583. Reference: Depcirtel 236.2
1. As indicated ref tel, following DOD tentative refined FY 1960 MAP your country by major item and category. Program outlined below does not include value follow-on spare parts or PCH&T costs which were included within totals on tentative basis in program presented to Congress. These costs now included in world-wide programs and distribution to countries will be determined during course fiscal year on basis country requisitions re spare parts and delivery levels re PCH&T. Shift out of country program therefore does not necessarily indicate elimination these items but only that amount to be programmed by country from FY 60 funds cannot now be determined.
| Major Categories | Value in Thousands of Dollars |
| Aircraft, components, spares & related equipment | 3,122 |
| Ships & harbor craft, components & spares | none |
| Tanks, other vehicles, weapons, components & spares | none |
| Ammunition | 1,359 |
| Electronic & communications equipment, components & spares | 489 |
| Construction | 3,022 |
| Other matériel | 3,067 |
| Repair & rehabilitation | 3 |
| Training | 2,936 |
| Total | 13,998 |
3. Major changes from Congressional presentation reflected one hand addition 20 F86F aircraft, other hand elimination ocean minesweeper (MSO), tracked landing vehicles, MK3, MK6 and MK18 mines, and practical elimination funds for repair and rehabilitation. Total represents no net reduction from Congressional presentation after correction for separate calculation costs spare parts and PCH&T.
4. Comments requested along lines suggested reftel.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.5–MSP/9–959. Secret; Priority. Drafted by C. Richard Spurgin in SEA, cleared with FE and U/MSC, and approved by Clifford C. Matlock, Special Assistant for Economic Affairs in the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs.↩
- Circular telegram 236, September 8, outlined in general terms the problems posed by the prospect of limitations on funds available for the military assistance program, indicating that the Congressional authorization of $1.4 billion for fiscal year I960 would probably not be fully appropriated. It urged all posts to analyze needs and requirements with a view to making maximum use of available resources. (Ibid., 700.5–MSP/9–859)↩
- Ambassador Johnson responded in telegram 704 from Bangkok, September 15, indicating the Embassy’s acceptance of the items listed in telegram 583, on condition that an effort be made to make up the deficiencies in fiscal year 1961. “Believe very small size of FY 1960 program for Thailand together with developing situation in Laos amply demonstrates that no material reduction could be made any portion Thai program without serious adverse impact our interests.” (Ibid., 792.5–MSP/9–1559)↩