98. Memorandum of Discussion1
MEMORANDUM OF DISCUSSION WITH THE JOINT CHIEFS
AT 11:00 O’CLOCK ON MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 1962
After a preliminary exchange of amenities, McCone stated that there were two problems.
(a) The reorganization of USIB.
General Lemnitzer gave a very articulate and persuasive argument as to why this should not be done. McCone responded by stating that it was a decision of the NSC, President Eisenhower and President Kennedy, and would ultimately be implemented. However, it was agreed, without changing the principle, that date of implementation would be postponed for a few months pending the completion of organization of DIA and permitting a few months for the operation of this agency. It was obvious that the Chiefs are very much opposed to removing the Service intelligence officers from the USIB, and probably will protest this move for reasons which have been expressed many times. The Chiefs have a unanimous paper on their position.2
(b) Selection of a Deputy DCI.
The Chiefs made strong argument that this must be a military man and McCone agreed that he was perfectly willing to add a high level officer providing a man of great competence and experience was proposed. McCone explained the plan of reorganization of the office, the fact that Deputy DCI would have much greater responsibility than heretofore and therefore it would not be satisfactory to him to accept anyone except the most competent and experienced officer with some intelligence background, and great administrative ability and scientific knowledge. A list of candidates had been prepared by the Chiefs and submitted to Secretary McNamara for transmission to the DCI. They expected to receive this list today.
The Chiefs then invited occasional meetings with the DCI and this was agreed.