0 - The Black Vault

THE BDM CORPORATION
, The bS should help, not substitute for, th• government of our
V
ally. To the extent that we "take charge," we postpone (and may
even jeopardize) the achievement of our ultimate objectives. The
epplication of this lesson in practice, as we have uiscovered in
Vietnam, is difficult and calls for a careful selection and
training of advisers. If we could turn back history, the process
of "Vietnamization" probably would have been started in 1961,
1969,
o To reduce corruption and minimize the undertaking of overly
o
ambitious projects that cannot be made
not
ope,.ationa& quickly, US
officials should exercise restraint in initial programming.
This, together with arrangements for continuing follow-through
and accountability on the part of local officials, should serve
to increase the effectiveness of US pacification assistance.
The most efficient and farsighted naticnal government will be
unab]l
to extend its influence unless it establishes an effective
presence in the form of local officials, In Vietnam, prcvince
ard district chiefs performed this role by providing a
link
between village and hamlet officials and Saigon. Government
cadre also are an essential element in closing the gap between
the national government and the people. But in Vietnam the
importance of careful selection and good trairing was
often overlooked.166/
all too
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