440


FOREIGN RELATIONS,- 1950,,, VOLUME I


tion of these directives of the President requires the furnishing of
military equipment land training 'assistance to ,the Chinese Govern-
ment forces on Formosa to enable them to defend the island and to
assist the Seventh Fleet in rendering the island area secure.
  18. Thailand. The objective of United States military assistance
to Thailand is to enable thatt Government to carry through its an-
nounced intention to resisting Communist encrolachment. Since the
threat to Thailand has not yet developed to severe proportions, there
is an opportunity to modernize and train the Thai forces to resist
Communist encroachment.
  19. The Philippines. The United States has a unique responsi-
bility in the Philippines because of a hialf century of American
sovereignty over the islands. In 'addition, the Philippines furnish
important bases and facilities for the United States forces. A serious
internal security problem exists in the islands. The solution calls for
military and economic assistance as well as political guidance. With
respect to military aid, it is recommended that equipment be fur-
nished to equip expanded security forces 'and to modernize and train
the present forces. Greater emphasis is also being given to the train-
ing of the Philippine army.
  20. Indonesia. The basic objective of the military assistance pro-
gram for Indonesia is to strengthen the constabulary to enable it to
perform effectively its function of maintaining law and order under
the authority of the central government. This objective includes the
prevention of smuggling activities in Indonesian waters.
  21. The Other American Repabhics. The initer-American com-
munity is a source of both immediate and reserve political and economic
strength. Its military strength is limited although not negligible. Its
military manpower and the equipment presently available 'are essen-
tial to the mainten-ance of'interna.l security in .the other American
states. Properly triained and equipped, the manpower of these coun-
tries could be used to maintain .the security of lines of communica-
tion in.the inter-American 'area and possibly to contribute forces to
overseas operations. Although &a specific estimate of training require-
ments and urgent equipment needs has not been included in the esti-
mates given above, it is believed that nominal amounts of funds should
be made available, when and if circumstances require, to meet training
and selected equipment requirements of ,the other American states in
accordance-with the policies laid down in NSC 56/2 7
   [Here follow Table 1, "Estimated Costs of Meeting United. States
Objectives Under the Mutual Defense Assistance Programs," and
Table 2, "Estimated Costs to the United States of Assisting the, Euro-

  Of May 18, p. 628.