Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950–1955, The Intelligence Community, 1950–1955

140. Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Smith to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Bradley)¹

Washington, December 12, 1952.

SUBJECT

• Overseas CIA Logistical Support Bases

REFERENCES²

a)

Secretary of Defense TS Memo #23579, dated 6 October 1949, Support of Covert Operations of CIA

b)

TS Memo #81056 from CIA to Joint Subsidiary Plans Division/Joint Chiefs of Staff, dated 13 June 1952, subject as above

c)

TS Memo #81111 from Joint Subsidiary Plans Division/Joint Chiefs of Staff to CIA, dated 26 June 1952, subject as above (SPDM–257–52)

d)

TS Memo #81949 from CIA to Joint Subsidiary Plans Division/Joint Chiefs of Staff, dated 19 August 1952, subject as above

1. In accordance with NSC 10/2³ CIA is not only charged with the mission of conducting cold war but also that of planning for covert operations in time of war in collaboration with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It is essential to establish logistical support for hot war plans prior to D-Day. Rather than create separate parallel lines of supply for similar materiels with the military services, it is desired to continue in collaboration with the Department of Defense in the establishment of support installations, to be used not only for hot war requirements but also for CIA’s cold war support. Further, it is believed appropriate that the agency should use Department of Defense hot war stocks for cold war needs on a reimbursable basis.

2. Based on our operational plans, a world-wide support base concept was formed locating the bases at military installations. The CIA base will be considered a tenant unit on the military base. It is contemplated that the major bases will be located [4½ lines not declassified].

3. A major logistical support base will consist of a CIA base headquarters, training, communications, medical accommodation for evacuees and storage for six months’ hot war requirements as well as provide logistical support for CIA operational groups or headquarters. The latest revised estimate of requirements on a broad basis is listed in the attached enclosure. Informal planning along the lines indicated has been carried out by elements of CIA with the Joint Subsidiary Plans Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the general planning is consistent with and complementary to approved plans for wartime military operations.

4. At such time as detailed plans are firm and approved by the Department of Defense and this Agency, CIA accepts the obligation to reimburse the Department of Defense for its proportionate share of these construction requirements in accordance with Reference (a) as follows:

“Personnel, Supplies, and Equipment will be transported to overseas storage points under military control and supplies and equipment will be stored and protected at such points without reimbursement where additional, extraordinary expenses to the Department of Defense are not involved… Where the service incurs additional, extraordinary expenses in providing transportation or establishing and maintaining at overseas points, dumps for covert operations, the CIA must make reimbursement therefor.”

5. It is requested that the strategic planning of this base concept be approved, and that the military services be so advised and directed to assist in the preparation of detailed plans.

Walter B. Smith

⁴

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Executive Registry, Job 80–B01731R, Box 8. Top Secret; Security Information. Sent through the Chief of the Joint Subsidiary Plans Division. An attached note from RWF (not identified) to DCI Smith, December 10, indicates that DD/P prepared the memorandum, which was approved in CPM, DD/P (with Wisner recommending signature), and DD/A. The note indicated that JSPD had coordinated the logistical planning and added that the military did not wish to go further with detailed planning until the JCS approved the planning concept, and signing the memorandum meant only approving the support and base concept, not the actual authorization of funds. A notation on the note indicates that Smith saw it on December 12. The enclosures, a table entitled Recapitulation for CIA Logistical Support and an earlier December 8 draft of the memorandum, are not printed. Ellipsis in the original.
2. None of the references (a–d) was found.
3. For NSC 10/2, see Foreign Relations, 1945–1950, Emergence of the Intelligence Establishment, Document 292.
4. Printed from a copy that indicates Smith signed the original.