TOP SECRET /SENSITIVE (XGDS)

Evacuation of Danang

It is estimated that the refugee population of Danang could reach one million. This includes ARVN deserters and stragglers. The Danang area is defended by the 1st Marine Division and the ARVN 3rd Division. We understand the Marine Division may be moved to MR-2. In this case, Danang can only be defended for a short time. The already present panic and chaos in Danang will get worse as the NVA closes on the city. We must anticipate that evacuation operations may have to be conducted under enemy fire. State and Defense have developed three evacuation options which range from high to low in the degree of U.S. military involvement (paper attached).

Option I - DOD conducts the operation by air and sea and provides ground security as necessary.

Option II - (State recommends) DOD is directed to use civil and military air and sea capability, including third country vessels, but without committing any U.S. combat elements for security.

Option III - USG would attempt to provide a commercial airlift to be supplemented with a sealift.

Talking Points

-- State recommends that we use all civil and military air and sea capability, including third country vessels, but without committing any U.S. combat elements for security. Does everybody agree?

-- How long will the evacuation take if we use all -- and 1 mean all -- available U.S. and other assets in the area?

-- I gather CINCPAC will be in charge of the whole show. Is this correct?

-- What are the legal and Congressional issues involved with each option?

-- In any case, we should immediately inform the Hill what we plan to do. How do we do this during the recess?

TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE
                                                                                                                              DECLASSIFIED  
                                                                                                                             E 0.12958, SEC. 3.5 
                                                                                                                    MSG MEMO, 11/24198, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES
                                                                                                                          BY --------NARA,DATE 12/27/05