Office of the Historian

76. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam1

Washington, February 21, 1962—4:10 p.m.

1010. Task Force Vietnam. From Johnson. Department urgently interested in obtaining maximum utilization of National Police structure in counter-insurgency effort. AID currently reviewing your recommendation [Page 161] of $4.8 million police advisory program for FY 62. Understand that CAS program set forth in Embtel 6602 in process implementation.

Would appreciate report soonest on latest status programs outlined in Embtel 660 together your views on following points: a) present function and capability of National Police structure in relation to overall counter-insurgency effort, b) plans for expanding or improving such present function and capability, c) organizational changes in both GVN and country team required to maximize police contribution to overall counter-insurgency effort, and d) any other suggestions or comments on best way of integrating National Police into total counter-insurgency effort.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.5/11-1661. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Maechling; cleared with TF/VN, S/S, AID/FETA, and AID/AA/F; and approved by Johnson who signed for Rusk. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
  2. Dated November 16,1961, not printed. (Ibid., 751K.00/11-1661)↩