Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

434. National Security Action Memorandum No. 175¹

Washington, July 21, 1962.

MEMORANDUM FOR

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense

SUBJECT

• DOD-State Concept for Communication between National Leaders

1. The May 25, 1962 memorandum for the President from the Deputy Secretary of Defense and its attachment, outlines a series of measures proposed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to improve our means of maintaining communications with foreign national leaders during emergency conditions.² While recognizing that adjustments may be required as detailed planning and development progresses, the general concept in the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s plan is approved for planning purposes.

2. All actions taken should be consistent both with planning for the National Military Command System (NMCS), which will be designed as the unified survivable national communications system, and with the integration of State-CIA communications facilities. Also, cognizance should be taken of studies presently under way in government which may lead to a proposal for improved communication links between the national leaders of the US and the USSR. All planning should be accomplished with the view that this additional requirement at some future date may be imposed upon the National Military Command System.

3. The Secretaries of State and Defense are requested to initiate planning based upon the proposed concept with the assistance of such other government agencies as may be required. The detailed plan with estimates of cost will be submitted to the President for approval prior to implementation.

McGeorge Bundy

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, S/S-NSC Files: Lot 72 D 316, NSAM 175. Top Secret.
2. The memorandum is attached but not printed. Its attachment was not found.