CAMBODIA ASSESSMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-533-7-2-0
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: December 8, 2010
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: March 27, 1972
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/12/08: LOC-HAK-533-7-2-0
(sue-x47.1
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20508
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DOS, OSD Reviews
Completed
National Security Study Memorandum 152
March 27, 1972
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS
APPLY
The Secretary of State
The Secretary of Defense
The Director of Central Intelligence
SUBJECT: Cambodia Assessment
The President has directed the preparation of an assessment of the
current situation in Cambodia, prospects for the next 18 months, and
actions we might take to advance our objectives in Cambodia.
The first part of this study, dealing with political aspects, should
cover but need not necessarily be confined to:
-- The prospects for political stability of change and the implica-
tions for the military situation.
-- An assessment of problems and prospects for GKR-GVN relations
and ways in which we can contribute to their improvement.
This part of the study should be prepared by an inter-agency Ad Hoc Group
chaired by a representative of the Secretary of State. It should be
completed by April 22, 1972.
The second part of the study dealing with military aspects should cover:
-- The military situation in Cambodia, including FANK capability
to deal with a reasonable range of enemy threats.
-- The determinants of FANK effectiveness and the actions that
could be expected to improve it. This should examine the appropriate-
ness of FANK strategy, tactics, and leadership as well as the level and
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I
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/12/08: LOC-HAK-533-7-2-0
 Henry A. Kiss-inger
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/12/08: LOC-HAK-533-7-2-0
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composition of our assistance programs and such issues as improving
the personnel and logistics systems. Development of Cambodian air
support in relation to reductions in available U. S. air should be covered.
-- The alternative approaches to obtaining a more effective FANK.
This should consider actions which could be taken by the GKR alone as
well as by the U. S. and/or ARVN.
-- The importance in military terms to Vietnamization of various
Cambodia contributions including denial of supply through a Cambodian
port, allied air operations against supply routes in Eastern Cambodia,
cooperation with ARVN in cross border operations against logistics and
training areas, and diversion of NVA and VC combat forces away from
Vietnam.
This part of the study should be prepared by an inter-agency Ad Hoc
Group chaired by the representative of the Secretary of Defense. It
should also be completed by April 22, 1972.
These studies also should take into account earlier studies of the same
issues and should take into account alternative future U. S. assistance
levels.
The VSSG Working Group should provide general direction for both studies
and incorporate the two studies into a single issues paper for considera-
tion by the Senior Review Group late in April.
This study should also serve as a major input and basis for the FY 74
Country Programming Memorandum on Cambodia required by NSSM-122.
The due date for the Cambodian CPM is postponed to June 30.
.
cc: The Director, Office of Management
and Budget
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/12/08: LOC-HAK-533-7-2-0