9. National Security Action Memorandum No. 121
MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL LEMNITZER
Is it possible for us to distribute the available forces we now have in Vietnam more effectively in order to increase the effectiveness of anti-guerilla activities. Are there troops stationed along the border who could be made available for this activity? It is my recollection that the Vietnam army now numbers 150,000, and that we are planning to add 20,000 more, making a total of 170,000. Reports are that the guerillas number from 7,000 to 15,000. I would think that the redistribution of available forces immediately would make them more effective in this work and we would not have to wait for action during the training period of the new troops. Would you give me your judgment on this when next we meet?
- Source: Department of State, S/S-NSC Files: Lot 72 D 316, NSAMs. Presumably the memorandum is from the President.↩