Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume I, Vietnam, 1961

287. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam ¹

Washington, November 27, 1961, 8:32 p.m.

694. Eyes only for Ambassador. Re Embtel 704.² Joint State-Defense message.

1. As President’s representative you have responsibility for and authority over all U.S. operations in VietNam, over Viet-Nam and originating in VietNam. No public information should be volunteered on ADVON. All questions on this and other matters pertaining to stepped-up U.S. military activity should be referred to you or your authorized representative.

2. CINCPAC has directed Chief MAAG and General Anthis to explain fully to you the status of Chief Air Force Section MAAG.³ Establishment of a new U.S. military command and headquarters in SEA has not been authorized. Responsibilities and functions of 2nd ADVON, as distinct from Chief, Air Section, MAAG are still under study at CINCPAC, and remain undetermined pending prerequisite high level Washington decisions. Concept generally envisions that 2nd ADVON could provide for an overall commander of scattered PACAF detachments already in place. Advice, training and logistic support to RVNAF heretofore supplied by AF Section,MAAG continues as responsibility Chief, MAAG and General Anthis’ assignment as Chief, Air Force Section, MAAG/does not change this.

3. Request you advise whether explanation provided by Chief, MAAG and General Anthis satisfactorily resolves your questions.⁴

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.56311/11-2561. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted by Wood; cleared with William Bundy, U. Alexis Johnson, McConaughy, and Cottrell; and initialed by McConaughy for the Secretary. Repeated to CINCPAC for PolAd.
2. Document 277.
3. Felt’s instructions to this effect are in telegram 252015Z, November 25. (Department of State, Central Files, 751K.56311/11-2561)
4. In telegram 722, November 28, Nolting reported that he had just received telegram 694 and that the matter was “satisfactorily resolved.” (Ibid., 751K.00/11-2861)