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

446. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) to the Heads of All Executive Departments and Agencies¹

Washington, August 21, 1963.

SUBJECT

• Establishment of the National Communications System

The President has directed the establishment of a National Communications System (NCS) to provide better communications support to critical functions of government. Attachment I advises the Heads of Departments and Agencies of this action and designates the Director of Telecommunications Management as Special Assistant to the President for Telecommunications to advise and assist him with respect to communications requirements and plans for the NCS.²

The President has further directed that on an interim basis his Special Assistant for Science and Technology shall perform the functions assigned to the Director of Telecommunications Management concerning the establishment of a National Communications System.³

McGeorge Bundy⁴

1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Bundy Chron Files, Aug. 1963, Box 404. No classification marking.
2. Not printed.
3. Attachment 2, “Procedures and Working Relationships for the National Communications System,” August 21, and Attachment 3, “Statement of Initial Tasks Assigned to the Manager of the National Communications System,” August 6, are not printed.
4. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.