Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume II, Vietnam, 1962

138. Memorandum From the Director of the Vietnam Task Force (Cottrell) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Harriman)¹

Washington, April 3, 1962.

SUBJECT

• Viet-Nam

The Diem-Nolting understanding of December 4,² upon which we based our expanded support, contained the following undertakings:

1. Basic immediate objective is to enable the GVN to take and maintain the offensive against the VC.

Results: Achieved. General Harkins reports good morale, offensive spirit, and operations.

2. Increased GVN effort will be mounted. Fundamental responsibility of GVN for conduct of the war will not be impaired. A closer relationship will be established with the U.S.

Results: Increased effort has been mounted. By too much publicity and military zeal we may be impairing GVN responsibility. Closer relationship has been established.

3. U.S. will increase forms of aid previously furnished, and new steps will be (a) participation of U.S. personnel in operational missions with GVN forces and (b) closer consultation with U.S. advisors.

Results: Achieved.

4. GVN will take measures to increase its efficiency, and to increase its public support at home and abroad. It will:

(a) Reactivate its National Internal Security Council.

Results: Achieved.

(b) Consult with U.S. on reorganization of the Military Command structure.

Results:GVN has consulted, has set up a Joint General Staff, a Joint Operations Center and a Tactical Air Control, but has moved slowly on any other basic changes.

(c) GVN has set up a Central Intelligence Organization and is prepared to accept U.S. Intelligence personnel in the military headquarters from the Joint General Staff down through divisions.

Results: U.S. personnel are in JGS, and each level from JGS to province headquarters and battalion level. 49 of 196 were installed as of February.

(d) GVN agrees to joint provincial surveys, it being understood they will be directed principally to military and intelligence matters.

Results: 3 provinces surveyed. More to be surveyed.

(e) Border Ranger Forces will be provided against infiltrators.

Results: 10 companies of ARVN rangers and 14 companies of Montagnard rangers released for Border Ranger Force on March 20, 1962.

(f) GVN agrees to closest coordination of GVN and U.S. military commanders.

Results: Achieved.

(g) U.S. advisers will be accepted in certain GVN administrative organs, subject to the request of the GVN, on a case by case basis.

Results:GVN has not yet requested any advisers. (It also may not be in the best U.S. interest to get into such a close relationship and be held responsible for GVN decisions.)

(h) Legislation has been enacted giving the President broad emergency powers during the next two years, adequate to carry out this agreement.

5. GVN has taken a variety of actions to win public support at home and abroad. These include creation of a National Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Organization, creation of Provincial Councils, institution of military training for women, investigation of speculators, proposals to reduce official salaries and entertainment, plans for improved military allowances and survivor benefits, and the creation of a National Economic Council.

6. The GVN will take prompt measures of its own to

(a) Give a broader sense of participation in the war effort to the people of Viet-Nam.

Results: Fair to poor.

(b) Develop more contacts between officials of the GVN and the people.

Results: Good. Over 600 civic action cadres in all provinces are now in the field representing the GVN.

(c) Develop a more effective public information service.

Results: Not satisfactory. They have new a press spokesman which helps some. Minor progress such as village newspaper, film production and press trips. Radio poor.

(d) Bring non-Communist prisoners promptly to trial.

Results: Poor. No political prisoners of note have been brought to trial.

(e) Develop and announce an amnesty policy for Viet Cong defectors.

Results:GVN has developed a plan approved by Thuan and General Ty. Embassy likes it, but it has not yet been coordinated between ministries.

7. GVN recognizes the importance of developing at all levels its democratic institutions and will take all practical and feasible steps to this end.

Results: Poor. Provincial councils, proposed village elective councils, and some additional freedom for National Assembly are among small steps taken. War footing and Diem suspicions inhibit dramatic progress.

[Attachment]

STEPS TAKEN BY THE GVN SINCE DECEMBER 4, 1961

Political

1. National Assembly enjoying greatest period of activity since its creation, including criticism of GVN administration.

2. National Internal Security Council re-activated.

3. National Economic Council convened and consulted.

4. Constitutional Court established.

5. A Ministry of Civic Action re-organized and operating actively.

6. An Inter-Ministerial Committee for Strategic Hamlets has also been created.

7. The Republican Youth Movement subsidized by the GVN is displaying an ever expanding Civic Action and Self Defense capability.

8. Provincial councils created, with the privilege of direct appeal to President.

9. Unpopular “Social Pacification Bill” resumed to Assembly for amendment by President.

10. Opposition leaders not being actively harassed.

Psychological

1. Greater press freedom-appointment of effective Presidential press officer. Quality and credibility of Vietnamese press coverage has improved.

2. President making increased visits remote areas of country.

3. A number of officials guilty of graft being punished, speculators curbed.

4. Peopleʼs Letter Box established by GVN. Receiving and replying to 3,000 letters per month.

Economic

1. De facto devaluation of the piaster undertaken in 1961, thus generating more piasters.

2. Collection of taxes and excises is being intensified.

3. The decision was made to borrow internally-deficit financing.

4. Maintenance of stable rice prices and control of inflationary tendencies.

5. Measures taken to provide increased safety for delivery of rice to market.

6. Public works projects being undertaken; steps being taken to reduce unemployment.

Military

1. The Delta Plan approved March 19, 1962.³

2. Operation Sunrise initiated March 22, 1962.⁴

3. Better organization.

a) Central Intelligence Organization making good progress; ….

b) Joint General Staff set up including Navy and AF representation.

c) Improvement of joint planning through a Joint Operations Center.

d) Assignment of U.S. advisers in military and intelligence fields.

4. Joint provincial surveys are being undertaken. Three are completed with more to follow.

5. The base of the military effort is being broadened:

a) Womenʼs military training programs carried out.

b) Limited military training for civil servants.

c) Training of youth organizations.

d) Drafting educated persons for office training.

6. Some austerity measures have been taken with respect to civil population and civil servants.

7. Measures taken to improve the morale of the military:

a) Increased pay and allowances for the lower ranks and Civil Guard.

b) Reduction of period draftee stays in conscript status before becoming a regular soldier.

c) Creation of NCO ranks in Self Defense Corps.

d) Employment preference for veterans.

e) Training and employment of disabled veterans.

f) Measures to help war widows and orphans.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.5/4-362. Secret. No drafting information is given on the source text, but it is signed “Cot.”
2. See the enclosure to Noltingʼs December 5 letter in Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, vol. I, Document 307.
3. The Delta Plan was actually approved on March 16; see Document 113.
4. See Document 103.