A Conventional Defense Strategy for Mainland Southeast Asia
Abstract
Chinese Communists and their allies have the capability to make a massive, overt invasion of mainland Southeast Asia. This would not be a direct threat to the national survival of the United States. Therefore, the United States, although willing to respond with a conventional air campaign against mainland China, would be unwilling to use nuclear weapons against strategic targets in China or in tactical support of defensive operations in Southeast Asia. It therefore behooves American professional military officers to develop concepts and strategies for a conventional defense of mainland Southeast Asia. A first step is to get our SEATO allies to recognize the need for a conventional defense option. Then it will be feasible to develop the force structure required to conduct an effective conventional defense of Southeast Asia. Although casualties would be great in such a campaign, it need not be the long blood bath commonly feared.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 22, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA485541
Entities
People
- Josiah A. Wallace Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army War College