DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-01446R000100070012-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 30, 1998
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: May 24, 1957
• Content Type: MFR

Approved For ReIeas T RDP80 446R000100070012-7
Vt_wuow
24 May 1957
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Discussion of Proposed Technical Institute
in Southeast Asia
1. At a meeting in the offices of SRS on 23 May 1957, the
ro,AM1 0 technical institute in Southeast Asia w2&Xd t9assed
of IO/DDP. Present were
of SRS.
25X1A9a z. stated at the beginning that SRS believed that
the combatting of Communism, in long range terms, depended upon
political stability, economic advancement, and general social
progress in vulnerable areas like Southeast Asia. The idea of a 25X1A9a
technical institute, first suggested by arose out of
this approach to the problem. The institute was conceived as a
place to train young Asians in practical arts required for the develop-
ment of their countries. Private American support, probably by
foundations, was envisaged but no U. S. Government control or
direction. A location in South Vietnam was chosen, among other
reasons, as a way of giving recognition to a country which was suc-
cessfully resisting Communist pressure and making progress toward
the establishment of a democratic order. The name, Abraham Lin-
25X1A9a6oln Institute, was suggested, explained, with a view to
capitalizing upon Lincoln's appeal to the colored races and to match-
ing the personalized symbols which had been effectively employed by
the CC2Abiasts.
3. said that the approach to the Communist
25X1A9aproblem outlined by was one with which he agreed and
that the suggested institute seemed an appropriate means of further-
ing a general program in the area. The principal obstacle to real-
ization, he thought, would be that of obtaining the cooperation of the
governments of the Southeast Asian countries. His experience to
date had not been very encouraging. He explained some of the pro-
jects for cooperation in educational matters with which he was
acquainted. A discussion ensued of a number of practical problems f
which would probably be encountered in attempting to, QL7.ndan insti
tute lure that proposed. r.;auS.
IU:
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25X1A5a1 25X1A9a
r e a he idea was worth discussing
with when he comes. to Wash-
ington, and he will arrange an appointment . He
also suggested discussing the proposal with who
is currently considering various ideas gathered by the Director
while visiting the area.
25X1A9a
SRS/DDI
25X1A9a
A ? i-v R I'
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