41. Memorandum From the Secretary of Defense (McNamara) to President Kennedy1
SUBJECT
- Defoliant Operations in Vietnam
On 3 January 1962 you authorized initiation of limited experimental defoliant operations in Vietnam.2 These defoliant operations, conducted 13-16 January 1962, included spraying selected segments of road totaling approximately 16 miles along Vietnamese Route Number 15 between Bien Hoa and Vung Tau. A second spraying of each area covered in the initial operation will be required approximately three weeks after the first spraying. Conclusive evaluation of this experiment can be made only after the effects of the second spraying are observed.
The Vietnamese Government carried out a simultaneous public information campaign in the test area. To date there have been no adverse reactions in South Vietnam to the defoliant operations. Foreign reaction in non-Communist nations has been relatively light. However, on 21 January, Radio Moscow accused the U.S.-Diemist clique of ordering a chemical warfare plan to destroy food in South Vietnam. Radio Peking also mentioned the subject on 13 January 1962, and various themes have been used recently by the North Vietnamese. On 19 and 24 January 1962 Radio Hanoi broadcasts emphasized the destruction of natural resources and of crops by toxic chemical spraying. This is an intensification of Communist propaganda noted as early as 6 November 1961.
The great variety of vegetation found in Vietnam includes species never treated in previous herbicide tests. The limited areas already sprayed do not include the variety of vegetation and conditions required for a full evaluation of the effectiveness of the chemicals employed and possible operational concepts for their use. It is important [Page 72] that we test all conditions of vegetation, as well as the effectiveness of defoliant techniques in specific situations, before proceeding with a larger scale program.
To provide the diversified test data needed for full evaluation, CINCPAC and Chief, MAAG, Vietnam have recommended extension of the test program to include six additional specific target areas. These targets have been selected to demonstrate the operational effectiveness of defoliants against types and combinations of vegetation not found in the areas already covered and also to demonstrate defoliant effectiveness in specific situations. The proposed additional targets, indicated by corresponding numbers on the attached map, are as follows:
- 1.
- Route from coast to Father Hoa Base at Binh Hung (4 miles).—The vegetation of this area is mangrove. Also defoliation will clear a route from the coast which could be secured by Father Hoaʼs troops, so that cargo now being air dropped could be moved by lighter from coastal vessels to the beach, and thence to Binh Hung.
- 2.
- Bien Hoa Air Base perimeter.—The security of the air base requires that fields of fire and observation be cleared in the area. The irregularity of the features of the base will demonstrate the precision with which spraying missions can be flown. The vegetation includes mixed scrub, tropicaI grass, bamboo, and softwood trees.
- 3.
- Nham Go Air Field perimeter.—Eliminating surrounding vegetation at this small strip will show to what degree the requirement for security troops is reduced through defoliant operations. Vegetation of this area is dense broad leaf evergreen forest. There is high continuous canopy over intertwined woody vines and dense evergreen undergrowth.
- 4.
- Than Tuy Ha Ammunition Dump area.—This ammunition dump is vulnerable to sabotage. Vegetation clearance will improve observation. The vegetation within the depot area is low, moderately dense mixed scrub and rank tropical grass.
- 5.
- Route Number 1 (9.5 mile segment).—The vegetation along the previously sprayed segments of Route 15 was mainly mixed scrub growth, palmgrove and scattered hardwood trees. The proposed segments of Route 1 and Route 14 (target 6) will cover the majority of other principal species of vegetation found in South Vietnam. The dense rain forest with moderate undergrowth found along the Route 14 segment is generally typical of the plateau region of Vietnam.
- 6.
- Route Number 14 (7.5 mile segment).—The vegetation is mainly open forest with heavy undergrowth.
It is recommended that extension of the present experimental defoliation program, as described above, be authorized. The Department of State concurs in this recommendation.
- Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Vietnam Country Series. Secret. A memorandum of February 2 from Harriman through Johnson to Rusk recommended that Rusk concur in the Department of Defense plan. (Department of State, Central Files, 951K.8158/2-262) According to a note on the source text, it was approved by McNamara and Rusk on February 2 and sent to Taylor. A memorandum of February 5 from Bromley Smith to McNamara indicates that President Kennedy approved the recommendation. (Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 66 A 3542, Vietnam 1962, 370164) Listed as an attachment to the memorandum, but not found attached to the source text, was a map showing the areas contemplated for defoliation.↩
- See Document 1.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this stamped signature.↩