130. Memorandum From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Secretary of Defense Gates0
Washington, December 9,
1960.
JCSM—553—60SUBJECT
- Deficiencies in the U.S. Posture for Limited Military Operations (C)
- 1.
- In accordance with your directive concerning “U.S. and Allied Capabilities for Limited Military Operations to 1 July 1962”, dated 25 [Page 509] October 1960,1 the Joint Chiefs of Staff have prepared appropriate comments in response to paragraph 2317–c, NSC Action No. 2317.2 The cited action required the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to prepare a report for early presentation to the National Security Council (NSC) commenting on possible deficiencies in the U.S. posture for limited military operations that are indicated by the Limited War Study with particular reference to capabilities in Southeast Asia, air and sea lift capabilities, and mobilization base plans.
- 2.
- The Joint Chiefs of Staff reaffirm their views on the Interdepartmental Committee Limited War Study which were forwarded to you on 27 July 1960.3 As the situations envisaged probably will never occur exactly in the manner depicted in the study, decisions must be made in light of the actual conditions existing at the time. Accordingly, the study does not by itself constitute a valid basis for formulating programs or reaching decisions. It is recommended that these views be made available to the NSC as they establish the general basis upon which this report is based.
- 3.
- Comments by the Joint Chiefs of Staff are as indicated in the Appendix hereto.
- 4.
- The Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend that you endorse this report for forwarding to the NSC.
For the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Records of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Top Secret.↩
- Not found.↩
- See footnote 8, Document 125.↩
- Document 121.↩
- Printed from a copy that indicates Lemnitzer signed the original.↩
- Top Secret.↩
- “Waive financial limitations” is taken to mean lifting expenditure limitations, authorizing necessary deficiencies and seeking necessary supplemental appropriation. [Footnote in the source text.]↩
- See footnote 1, Document 129.↩