Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXII, Northeast Asia

340. National Security Action Memorandum No. 68⁰

Washington, August 11, 1961.

TO

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Director, International Cooperation Administration

SUBJECT

• Task Force on the Ryukyus

1. In his recent talks with Prime Minister Ikeda, the President indicated that the United States was determined to examine and recommend action on the sources of dissatisfaction which exist among the Ryukyuans. The United States Ambassador to Japan and the High Commissioner of the Ryukyus Islands welcome this initiative.

2. A Task Force will be established to examine the present situation and U.S. programs in the Ryukyus Islands. The Task Force will investigate the extent to which economic and social conditions contribute to the dissatisfaction of the Ryukyuans, what measures can we undertake to improve economic and social conditions, and what specific steps are needed to make such a program effective. In carrying out its task the group will bear in mind the importance to us of (a) Okinawa as a military base, (b) continued friendly relations with Japan, and (c) our responsibility to the people of the Ryukyus under the peace treaty with Japan.

3. The Task Force on the Ryukyus will be chaired by a representative of the White House¹ and will be composed of representatives of the Department of State, the Department of Defense and the International Cooperation Administration.

McGeorge Bundy

0. Source: Department of State, NSAM Files: Lot 72 D 316, NSAM 68. Secret. Copies were sent to Dillon, David E. Bell (Bureau of the Budget), Allen Dulles, Elvis J. Stahr (Secretary of the Army), Ball, Nitze, and Kaysen.
1. Carl Kaysen. The Task Force held its organizational meeting on August 25. (Memorandum from W.O. Baxter of G/PM to Jeffrey Kitchen of G/PM, August 25; ibid., Central Files, 794C.0221/8-2561)