100. Memorandum for the Record1
SUBJECT
- Discussion with McGeorge Bundy
After briefly reviewing the organizational changes in CIA, including the series of appointments which have been made and the discussion of the selection of a Deputy for Intelligence Community affairs, I questioned Mr. Bundy concerning the procedure being followed by CIA to currently inform the President and the members of NSC on intelligence matters. I expressed concern because of my statutory responsibility to report to the NSC, pointing out that since the NSC seldom met, and when it did meet it was for the purpose of discussing specific problems, and it appeared to me that the regular NSC meetings were not practical. Therefore an alternate procedure must be developed.
Mr. Bundy stated as follows:
- 1.
- The morning briefings of himself, General Taylor, General Clifton and others are very satisfactory.
- 2.
- The President is generally informed on intelligence matters though he seems to get his information from a variety of sources and Mr. Bundy was not clear who all of them were.
- 3.
- At the moment it seemed impractical to count on regular NSC meetings as the President was not disposed to such arrangements.
- 4.
- He asked that I insist on meeting with the President not less than once a week for the purpose of making an intelligence report and that I keep a record of such discussions. He asked that I make a point of doing this and that I charge one of my assistants with arranging weekly meetings.
- 5.
- He asked whether a record existed of all prior meetings with the President and that I review my files and complete them.
- 6.
- Mr. Bundy observed that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense were well informed through their respective intelligence facilities and the “Check List” and he suggested that I arrange to brief the Vice President, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of the Treasury and the Director, Office of Emergency Planning, at least every two weeks. Bundy thought this could be done by a briefing officer or by me personally if time permitted.
The arrangements as outlined in Item 4. above will be the responsibility of Mr. Earman and Item 6. above, the responsibility of Mr. Earman [Page 203] to arrange appointments. Mr. Sheldon to prepare the briefings. I would appreciate any comments DDCI may have on the above.