MALAGASY NATIONAL POLICE

3. Although it was feltffrom 'th beginning that the -Minister would­
hold firmly to his request for aircraft and boats, the members of the
Survey Team set out to convince the Attorney General and the Director
General, their constant travel companions, that they should concentrate -
on investing both their national budget and foreign aid funds in basic
equipment of immediate necessity to the Police., At Fort Dauphin, the
Team was pleased to hear M. Bora (who had left the group to go to
Morondava for a conference with the Minister) announce 'to. the assembled
police officials that. he has asked the American Team to help the National
Police 'with their most imidiate needs, and that procurement of more spe­
-cialized equipment such ad'airplanes and boats would be considered at a
future date.
4. On the other hand, the automotive equipment of the National Police
leaves much to be desired and is in dire need df replacement. This is
one place where United State's assistance would be appreciated. At this
juncture, however, the problem is not to underwrite a thorough out­
fitting of the force, but rather to provide it with a basic core of de­
pendable transportation, strategically located. First consideration
should be given to the best tactical'unit, the Flying Brigade, which is
supposed t&bWeHig ily-blile but is poorly-equipped. .
D. Communications
.1. The present radio network is marginal in its capability, Much of
the equipment is home made (composite) while the newest' standard imits
'are of 1947 vintage.. Considering the difficulties the Police are ex­
periencing in obtaining suitable maintenance parts, the system.works sur­
prisingly well.
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