This book examines the US police and paramilitary assistance to the regime in South Vietnam to combat the spread of communist revolution during the 1955-1963 period.

Preface and Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction 1. Einsehower, US Foreign Internal Security Assistance, and the Struggle for the Developing World 2. Shoring up America's Man: The Origins of Police and Paramilitary Assistance to South Vietnam, 1954-56 3. The Struggle for Reform: The United States and Diem's Internal Security Forces, 1956-58 4. Competing Conceptions: The United States, Diem, and the Civil Guard, 1955-1961 5. John F. Kennedy, Foreign Internal Security Assistance, and the Challenge of 'Subterranean War' 6. 'Ridiculous Representatives of Mr. Diem': Paramilitary Forces and the Strategic Hamlet Programme, 1961-1963 7. American Universalism and the 'Triumph of Technique': The Kennedy Administration and Civilian Police Reform in South Vietnam Conclusion Appendix: Intelligence Documents Denied under the Freedom of Information Act Notes Bibliography