Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume I, Vietnam, 1964

12. Memorandum for the Record of the Meeting of the Special Group for Counterinsurgency, Washington, January 16, 1964, 2 p.m.¹

Washington, January 16, 1964, 2 p.m.

PRESENT

• Governor Harriman, General Taylor, Mr. Coffin vice Mr. Bell, Mr. Wilson vice Mr. Murrow, Mr. Solbert vice Mr. Gilpatric, Mr. Karamessines vice Mr. McCone, Mr. Brubeck vice Mr. Forrestal
• Ambassador Trimble, Mr. Fredericks and Mr. Coote were present for Item No. 1.
• Mr. Poats was present for Items 1 and 3.
• Mr. Koren and Mr. Mendenhall were present for Items 2 and 3.
• Mr. Margolies and Mr. Engle were present for Item No. 4.
• Mr. Maechling was present for the meeting.

1. Counterinsurgency Intelligence Summary

Mr. Karamessines, in commenting on the major items in the intelligence memorandum, stated that in Viet-Nam, the Viet Cong appear to be shifting to terrorism and harassment while they continue to prepare for renewed offensive actions. A recent report indicates that the Communists plan to bring reinforcements into the central section of Viet-Nam.

[Here follows discussion of matters unrelated to Vietnam.]

2. Status Report on Counterinsurgency Projects in Viet-Nam

Mr. Koren stated that the Vietnamese Generals are aware of the need for programs to solve socio-economic problems, but they lack the sense of urgency that we attach to these problems. Recent favorable developments are: the reorganization of the military command structure; the recognition of the need for concentrated efforts in the southern provinces, particularly in Long An; the development of a new pacification plan; and continued efforts to rally the religious sects to support the Government. In their foreign relations, the Vietnamese have made significant bilateral efforts to resolve their differences with Cambodia; however, due to the nature of these issues, no quick resolution is anticipated.

On the negative side: The Government has not yet made a clear statement of policy on the strategic hamlet program, and the continued delay in establishing specific authorities, responsibilities, and command channels has caused a backlog of supporting US funds and commodities. It is understood that General Minh plans to announce the Government’s policy on the strategic hamlet and Amnesty Programs on Tet (Vietnamese New Year—February 13).

Mr. Koren said that the Vietnamese plan to use “Council of Notables” at the district and village level to encourage support for the Government, does not seem adequate to achieve desired results. He believes that some sort of domestic peace corps is required to get young people out to work in the country to foster closer identification and allegiance to the Government. In addition, this type of program might serve to quell restlessness existing in student groups.

General Taylor commented that no problem exists in placing US military advisors down to the necessary levels in the Vietnamese military establishment and that no US military advisors have been in contact with religious sect forces. He recommended, and the Chairman agreed, that General Harkins should be invited to be present when military matters are being discussed between the Ambassador and the Generals.

Mr. Mendenhall commented that two problems related to the strategic hamlet program have not been resolved: whether the people will be forcibly resettled into the hamlets, and what subsequent controls will be placed on them.

General Taylor stated that the strategic hamlet concept is sound and what is needed now is better execution of this program. He believes that there should be specific individuals, both in the Vietnamese Government and the Country Team, responsible for this program. Mr. Mendenhall agreed to check into this matter.

The Group, in noting the status report, agreed that the responsibilities of the Group for execution of programs in Viet-Nam would be discussed at a subsequent meeting.²

[Here follows discussion of matters unrelated to Vietnam.]

James W. Dingeman
Executive Secretary

1. Source: Department of State, Special Group Counterinsurgency Files: Lot 68 D 451, Minutes of Meetings. Secret. Drafted by James W. Dingeman who is not listed among the participants.
2. At the Counterinsurgency Group meeting, February 20, Harriman stated that the Sullivan Coordinating Committee on Vietnam, established by authority of NSAM 280, February 14 (Document 46) had assumed primary responsibility for South Vietnam. Thereafter, the CI group would keep Vietnam within its cognizance and would assist the Sullivan Committee when required. (Department of State, Special Group Counterinsurgency Files: Lot 68 D 451, Minutes of Meetings)