Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXIV, Laos Crisis

330. National Security Action Memorandum No. 149⁰

Washington, April 19, 1962.

TO

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

SUBJECT

• Withdrawal of Certain Military Units from Forward Positions in Laos

1. The President has authorized the Secretary of Defense to plan for the withdrawal of those MAAG White Star teams in Laos which are located in forward field positions. Approximately 7 or 8 White Star teams would be withdrawn to the rear echelon and would remain in Laos until their normal tour of duty expired. Their replacement will be decided upon subsequently.

2. The withdrawal will take place at such time as the Secretary of State deems appropriate; it is not presently contemplated that this would occur before May 7th, 1962.

3. The Secretary of State will prepare an appropriate public announcement of the action at the time the withdrawal takes place. Prior to such time every effort should be made to keep this matter confidential.

McGeorge Bundy

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Meetings and Memoranda Series, NSAM 149. Secret. Also published in Declassified Documents, 1980, 447B.