648


FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1950, VOLUME -1


creating such a force are very great and unless such force will, in
fact, augment tremendously the military potential of the free world,
I am quite clear that the need for the equipment which it would
require is much greater in the case of the forces of other nations. I
recognize that a variety of considerations must be weighed in reach-
ing_ a final judgment on this subject, but I want to emphasize that
before such judgment is reached, the impact of this equipment diver-
sion on other programs should be thoroughly explored and taken into
account.5

  A penciled marginal note reads: "I'm sure the factors stressed by
Mr. Ohly
will be thoroughly aired in future discussions with Defense Dept. J[ohn],
C D[reier]"

796B.00/8--:-850
The Deputy Under Secretary of State (Mattheiws) to the Assistant to
  the Secretary of Defense for Foreign Military Affairs and Military
  Assistance (Burms)

SECRET                                 VASHINGTON, August 9, 1950.ý
  DEAR GENERAL BURNS: It has become clear that little if any mili-
tary contribution ran be expected from the Latin American countries
for the United Nations forces in Korea if the contributing countries
are to be expected to assume the major share of the cost of equipping
and supporting their forces. In accordance with the policy decision
of the National Security Council on June 29, 1950,' and for reasons:
related not only to our world policy but also to our relations with the
Latin American countries, the Department is ;most anxious that a
way be found whereby -he Latin American countries may make an
effective military contribution.
  With this in mind, I send you the attached memorandum 2 which
sets forth the Department's opinion  n this subject and makes certain
specific recommendations for action directly involving the Depart-
ment of Defense.
   I should appreciate it if you will inform me as soon as possible of
the views of the Department of Defense on the attached.memorandum.
   Sincerely yours,                         H. FREEMAN MATTHEWS
   'For documentation on this decision, see vol. vii. pp. 228 ff.
   SReferenceis to Dreier's draft paper of August 3, 1950, p. 642.
   Marginal notations indicate that this letter and its enclosure had been
cleared
with the Bureaus of Inter-American Affairs, Far Eastern Affairs, and United
Nations Affairs, as well as with the staff of the Mutual Defense Assistance
Pro-
gram.