TRIP TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84B00890R000700030127-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 17, 2006
• Sequence Number: 127
• Publication Date: December 9, 1970
• Content Type: MF

rig
Approved *r Release.2006/11/17: CIA-RDP84B 890R000700030127-0
THE WHITE HOUSE
`NAS - i N G T 0 N
December 9, 1970
SECRET / LIMDIS
MEMORANDUM FOR
Theodore L. Eliot, Jr.
Executive Secretary
Department of State
SUBJECT: . Trip to Southeast Asia
The President has directed me to visit Cambodia and Vietnam during the
period December 13 through 17 for the purpose of making an assessment
of the situation. Mr. W. Richard Smyser and Mr. Winston Lord of the
National Security Council staff will accompany me along with Lt. David
R. Halperin, USN, who will act as my administrative assistant.
It is presently anticipated that the `roup will arrive at 6:30 a. in. local
- time on December 13 in Saigon. Mr. Lord, Lt. Ialperin and I will
proceed immediately to Phnom Penh. Mr. Smyser will remain in
Saigon and hopes to see Ambassador Colby that clay if possible.
leaders recommended by Ambassador Sw , talk to
the Ambassador, DCM, Defense Attache, nd 25X1
Mr. Ladd. Since Mr. Ladd is an old friend I would prefer to stay
overnight with hint if that is convenient and you deen-1 it appropriate.
It is anticipated that Embassy Phnom Penh will arrange accommodations
During the visit to Phnom Penh I .would like to meet with Prime Minister
Lon Nol, Deputy Prime Minister Sirik Matak, and any other Canib..dian
for Mr. Lord and Lt. Halperin. The party will leave Phnom Penh late
on Monday afternoon, December 14, and fly to Saigon.
During the three day stay in Soui.li Vietnam I hope to meet with
Ambassador L'unkcr and General Abran)s on the first day if
for them, possibly visit III and IV Corps areas on the second day and.
meet briefly with President Thicu on Thurscla}, De tuber 171, if
possible. I have asked General Pursely to have \1ACV make arra:.ne-
ments for the South Vietnam portion of the trip, coordinating closely
,with Embassy Saigon.
SECRET / LI\MIDIS
I/ DF1
1\ N.
~-:)N]- IL Cpl`:LiL RELEASE
IC ?a STR'UCTIONS APPLY
 Approved For Release 2006/11/17: CIA-RDP84B00890R00070003012f-0
SECRET / LIXIDIS - 2 -
The party will depart Saigon on the afternoon of Thursday, December 17,
stop briefly in Hawaii, and arrive in Washington late Friday, December 18.
Would you please inform Ambassadors Bunker and Swank of the tentative
plans. It would be appreciated if Embassy Phnom Penh would proceed
with arrangements for the Cambodian portion of the trip, including an
interpreter for the meetings with Cambodian officials. It is desired
that there be no exposure of the party to the press.
Alexander M. Haig, JT..
Brigadier General, x us. 'ermy
Deputy Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs
SECRET/ LI ,IDIS
'Inn t-1-1t4 -7 ? t'I Li D rlDPA nnnggnDnnn7nnn4nl 9 -(~