On balance, the interval between 1955 and 1959 was characterized by uncertainty, transition, and problem solving. Never sure of the Marine Corps’ future, the Senior Vietnamese Marine Officer and a handful of U.S. Marine advisors had carried forward their efforts to transform scattered French-inspired river commando units into a coherent and responsive American-style amphibious force. While this transformation was only partially realized, definite progress was apparent. Vietnamese officers had replaced French commanders, and with American guidance, had given their service a strong interim structure. Many of the more serious problems which had plagued the struggling organization since its inception had been identified. With American assistance, solutions to those problems were being developed and tested. So, despite a stormy beginning and a threatened early childhood, the Vietnamese Marine Corps lived. CHAPTER 3 Vietnamese Marines and the Communist Insurgency _Origins and Early Stages of Insurgency--Insurgency and the Vietnamese Marine Corps--Ancillary Effects on Marine Pacific Commands--American Decisions at the Close of 1961_ _Origins and Early Stages of Insurgency_ South Vietnam gave every outward indication that it had achieved a measure of overall stability in the two-year period following President Diem’s election in the fall of 1955. In early 1956 Diem felt strong enough politically to announce his government’s refusal to participate in the reunification elections scheduled for midyear. He based this position upon the argument that free elections were impossible in Communist North Vietnam. The proposed July election deadline passed without a serious reaction by North Vietnam. Equally encouraging was the fact that there had been no noticeable resurgence in the armed power of either the politico-religious sects or the Binh Xuyen. At the same time the American-backed South Vietnamese economy appeared to be gaining considerable strength. [Illustration: _Lieutenant General Samuel T. Williams, USA, Commander, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam. (USA Photo SC494954)._]