43. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Parsons) to the Acting Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- U.S. Policy in the Far East: NSC 5913, September 3, 19592
The subject paper is scheduled for consideration at a Departmental briefing on Wednesday, September 16, in preparation for a National Security Council meeting on September 17.
The paper notes that, while the line of demarcation between Communist and non-Communist Asia has tended to stabilize over the past five years, the threat to Free World security is growing, due to an anticipated increase in the power of Communist China backed by the USSR. A factor of major significance is the likelihood that nuclear weapons will be based in Communist China before 1963, though almost certainly under Soviet custody.
The paper warns, in noting the diverse elements of vulnerability of the non-Communist Far East, that Communist China is likely to continue to exceed the rate of economic growth of Free Asian countries, with the possible exception of Japan. It reasons that a strong countervailing U.S. presence will be needed in the area for many years.
[Page 115]There are no significant changes in current U.S. policy proposed in the paper. However, NSC 5429/5, which it replaces, is out of date in a number of respects and is considered deficient and in need of replacement for other reasons as well. Of particular interest is the definition of U.S. objectives which, it is believed, summarizes in fairly realistic terms attainable goals of U.S. policy.
Recommendation:
That you support adoption of NSC 5913 and take the following actions with respect to remaining split positions:3
- 1.
- Page 8, paragraph 21, c. Suggest deletion as being unnecessary and as implying criticism of U.S. efforts to work on constructive terms with certain of those who wield power in East Asia today. It is true that Chiang, Rhee and Diem sometimes seem impetuous, authoritarian, demanding and even undemocratic but it must be remembered that they are the recognized leaders of countries with which we must cooperate on friendly terms. As leaders of divided countries it is understandable that they should take rigid positions in cold-war issues and that they should exercise strong authority. Having leaders of such authority and determination in these divided countries has not been without its advantages to the U.S.
- 2.
- Page 10, paragraph 30. Support majority opinion. (Argumentation familiar.)
- 3.
- Page 11, paragraph 33. Suggest deletion of JCS–Defense addition as being unnecessary and outdated. However, if overwhelming opinion supports, the paragraph could be accepted without injury to State’s interests.
- 4.
- Page 12, paragraph 36, a. Support majority opinion, on basis that it defines the military roles of MAP-assisted countries (which the Treasury-Budget version fails to do) and on the grounds that the phrase “to the extent necessary” in the majority version defers adequately to the point of view reflected in the Treasury–Budget version.
- 5.
- Page 13, paragraph 37. Oppose deletion for self-evident reasons.