LADD-GRAM ON POSSIBLE FANK ASSISTANCE TO ARVN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-451-2-24-2
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: November 17, 2011
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: April 11, 1972
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-451-2-24-2
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22 LOC-HAK-451-2-24-2
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-451-2-24-2
TOP CEC ET/SENSITIVE/E,CLtSIVELY EYES ONLY ACTION
April 11, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR: /GENERAL HAIG
JOHN H. HOLDRIDGE
RICHARD T. KENNEDY
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Qadd_Gram on Possible FANK Assistance to
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RVN
Fred Ladd has sent you a cable (Tab C) outlining a plan for possible
FANK actions against the rear of NVA units operating against the
ARVN in MR's III and IV. He proposes that the President send
Lon Nol a message urging such assistance.
We believe that FANK actions of even a limited nature would be
valuable, both in terms of possibly easing NVA pressures against
the"ARVN somewhat, and in symbolizing Cambodian willingness to
come to the aid of an ally which has many times aided them. However,
we do not believe that the President should initiate this himself, but
rather that the request should come from the South Vietnamese since
ground operations in the current situation are primarily their
responsibility.
Accordingly, we have drafted a back-channel message from,
Mr. Kissinger to Ambassador Bunker (Tab A) suggesting that he
discuss means of stimulating such a request from the South Vietnamese
with Generals Abrams and Weyand. Preferably Thieu would ask
Lon Nol to take steps; then we could back up that request with a letter
from the President to Lon Nol. Abrams and Weyand could then
coordinate actions with the FANK and the ARVN. At Tab B is a
back-channel message to Ladd informing him that we are taking
this course.
Recommendation:
That you approve the messages at Tabs A and B.
Approve hl