"This report, entitled "Review of U.S. efforts to stabilize the situation in Southeast Asia, 1961-1964," has been prepared by the Office of the Chief of Military History in response to a request of the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Operations, Department of the Army. It represents an effort to compile a resume of historical information within a short time, using readily available sources. Because of these limitations this product does not represent a definitive or complete historical study." -- Prefatory Note. "The United States assumed the responsibility for maintaining stability in Southeast Asia when the Communist regime of northern Vietnam defeated the French in 1954 at the end of the Indochina War. While in theory the United States was to share its responsibility with other nations that had participated in the negotiations culminating in the Geneva Agreements of 20 July 1954, it soon became apparent that the United States would have to carry the burden of the struggle to protect those nations that had not come under the Communist yoke against further encroachment. The sphere of responsibility encompassed southern Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, which owed their full independence to the Geneva Accords, and to a lesser degree neighboring Thailand because of its geographical position. To ensure the freedom of the new nations, and prevent any further direct or indirect Communist aggression in Southeast Asia, the United States on 8 September 1954 concluded with France, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, which established the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)."

Draft.

Introduction -- Vietnam -- Laos -- Thailand -- Cambodia.