MESSAGES TO SAIGON AND LONDON REGARDING SIR ROBERT THOMPSON'S VISIT TO VIETNAM.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-7-6-20-5
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: December 4, 2009
• Sequence Number: 20
• Publication Date: August 25, 1970
• Content Type: MEMO

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SECRET'
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NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
August 25, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR HENRY A. KISSINGER
FROM: John H. Hoidridge
SUBJECT: Messages to Saigon and London Regarding Sir Robert Thompson's
Visit to Vietnam.
Arrangements for Sir Robert Thompson's visit to Vietnam have now been
completed, and he has informed us of his schedule.
We attach two telegrams for Ambassador Bunker and Sir Robert Thompson
respectively.
RECOMMENDATION
That you send the two telegrams to Ambassadors Bunker and Sir Robert.
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
p /6
REED FROM - ON _.~._'?- FoR FILE.
NO INDICATION OF ORIGINATOR OR ADDRESSEE'S
FOLLOW UP ACTION, DISTR, OR DISTRIBUTION. _...
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SECRET
SEND VIA CAS CHANNELS
TELEGRAM FROM DR. HENRY KISSINGER
TO AMBASSADOR BUNKER
The President has asked Sir Robert Thompson to visit Vietnam again
to provide him with an independent assessment of the security situation
as well as political, economic, and military conditions.
I am sure that we can count on you and other members of the Mission
Council to see to it that Sir Robert is again given all the facilities and
assistance he needs to study the situation thoroughly.
Sir Robert will be communicating directly with the White House via
CAS channels. As last year, he will be accompanied by Desmond Palmer,
his former Chief 'of Staff in Malaya. Both will be traveling as consultants
to RAND. They have regular clearances as well as SI clearances,
Since the news of Sir Robert's visit could well break while he is in
Vietnam, he proposes to explain his presence by saying that he is
doing a survey of the situation for the White House, as last year, and
will be reporting direct in early October. He will not say anything more.
We have asked Sir Robert to visit Cambodia as well, if the opportunity
arises. If he is asked about it in advance, he will be vague. We hope you can
make arrangements to notify our Embassy in Phnom. Penh in good time of
Sir Robert's plans to go there.
Sir Robert and Mr. Palmex will be arriving in Saigon on Tuesday,
September 1, via Air Vietnam 681 from Bangkok. Please arrange to have
'1I7if-In grrtgi to PX and medical
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SECRET
25X1
Please deliver this message from Dr. Henry Kissinger to
Sir Robert Thompson (who can be reached at Pitcott House, Winsford,
Minehead, Somerset, Telephone Winsford 200) or ask Sir Robert to read
it at the Embassy before he leaves for Vietnam (Sir Robert may ask Mr. Desma
Palmer to come to Embassy to get the message on his behalf.)
"The President is pleased that you are going to Vietnam again, and is
You will have the same clearances as well,
looking forward to your report.
"We agree with your press line to the effect that you are doing another
survey for the White* House, as last year, and will be reporting direct in
early October. We concur that nothing more should be said, and we assume
you will make no public comment on your impressions until you report. We
agree you should be vague about visiting Cambodia, and see no reason even
to make any additional comment such as its being an Indochina war.
"We are notifying Saigon of your arrival and are asking them to 25X1
meet you and provide the same facilities and accommodations as last year.
"We would welcome reports while you are in Saigon, if you have
anything you wish to call to our immediate attention, and would particularly
appreciate a preliminary report as you leave Vietnam for your other visits
on the way back. We hope that you will be able to provide the same general
re No Objection to Declassification in Part 2009/12/04: LOC-HAK-7-6-20-5_iecific reports
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2.
on any subjects which you believe warrant our more detailed consideration
here.
"I am sure you know as well as. anybody the areas and subjects you will
want to inspect. In reply to your letter to Dick Smyser, I have the following
suggestions regarding topics of particular interest to us at this time, but
they are not intended to be exhaustive :
"(1) The effects of the Cambodian operations, including effects of
the new situation in Cambodia on enemy and our tactics.
"(2) Problems raised by new Viet Cong tactics, as in Phu Yen and
Binh Dinh provinces.
"(3) The state of the Viet Cong infrastructure, and of such South
Vietnamese organizations as the Regional and Popular Forces and the
People's Self-Defense Forces.
"(4) The land reform program,
"(5) Possible political unrest resulting from the situation in the cities.
"(6) Instances of attempting to convert the ARVN into another U. S. Army.
"As you can see, that list is by no means exhaustive, but is merely intended
as suggestive. There are obviously broader topics as well, such as security,
Vietnamization, and the general situation, and we rely on you to determine
what you consider important.
"We look forward to hearing your views when you return, and wish you
.a good trip. "
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