851G.00R/11–3051: Telegram
The Consul at Singapore (Goodyear) to the Secretary of State
614. Pass ECA. Eyes only Bissell from Griffin.
1. I have reiterated and emphasized in Saigon no change US policy objectives and basic econ program. While details program show imperfections, particularly in agri, nevertheless am convinced that emphasis on social and econ advancement of rural people must continue first consideration or we might as well abandon both mission and policy of strengthening an indigenous govt or public opposition Commies.
[Page 551]2. Due to continued misapprehension basic purpose MSA1 in Asia and belief among newspaper correspondents and possibly MAAG, Viet, Fr and even ECA personnel that econ aid is subordinated to milit and only hand-maiden to latter, believe Wash shld reaffirm US polit-social-econ policy Indo-Chi in clear, unequivocal terms. Pls send copy to Griffin.
3. Furthermore I affirm that despite insecurity, great strides can be taken in fulfillment our program by bold energetic directions if Wash backstopping also does truly effective job in recruitment, procurement, policy. We shld not be discouraged by factors we can overcome.
- The Mutual Security Agency, established by the Mutual Security Act of 1951 (Public Law 165, 82d Cong.; 65 Stat. 373), assumed the functions of the Economic Cooperation Administration effective December 30. Documentation on the Mutual Security Program is scheduled for publication in volume i.↩