196. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to President Nixon1
SUBJECT
- U.S. Battle Deaths—Week of April 25–May 1
As anticipated, U.S. battle deaths in Southeast Asia during the past week were relatively low, with only 17 deaths during this period [Page 599] reflected in the weekly casualty figure. However, a figure of 68 will be reported on Thursday because 51 casualties carried as MIA during previous weeks were identified this week as battle deaths.2
I have discussed with Secretary Laird’s office the unsatisfactory circumstances which this method of determining weekly casualties poses for us. They were equally disturbed by the disproportionate carry-overs reflected in this week’s reporting. But after analyzing the implications of trying to space out U.S. battle deaths over a period of weeks, they concluded, correctly I believe, that any change in existing procedures would soon surface and open up the whole question of the credibility of our casualty reporting. Defense believes we must take the heat for the high number this week in anticipation that there will be a drop-off in U.S. battle deaths in the weeks to come.3
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 154, Vietnam Country Files, Viet 1 May-31 May 71. Confidential. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum reads, “The President has seen.”↩
- Nixon highlighted the last sentence and drew a line to the bottom of the page where he wrote, “Is it just a coincidence that all 51 were reported the week of the demonstration—rather than ½ one week and ½ another?” Nixon’s reference is to a major peace protest that was set to begin on May 4.↩
- Nixon highlighted this sentence and wrote “OK” next to it.↩