Office of the Historian

394. Memorandum From Richard T. Kennedy of the NSC Staff to the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Washington, January 15, 1975.1 2

Washington, January 15, 1975

MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ACTION

January 15, 1975

MEMORANDUM FOR: BRENT SCOWCROFT
FROM: RICHARD T. KENNEDY [RTK initialed]
SUBJECT: Long Term U.S. Military Force Levels in Thailand

As you know, we have been unable to pry loose the additional option on U.S. military force levels in Thailand that we requested in November. This has not only precluded us from making a recommendation on the Thailand question but also on the broader overseas base realignment package that was submitted to Secretary Kissinger by Deputy Secretary Clements on December 9, 1974. The additional Thailand option was due back to us by December 5th. After repeated phone calls and conversations with various Defense representatives we have been able to learn only that Secretary Schlesinger refuses to forward the option because he thinks he already has a decision made by Secretary Kissinger at their last breakfast meeting. In the meantime, it is impossible for us to go forward without a Defense paper.

RECOMMENDATION

That you sign the attached memorandum to General Wickham or alternatively, convey the request via a telephone call.

Dick Smyser concurs

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–245, NSDM 249, Folder 4. Secret. Sent for action. Concurred in by Smyser. Scowcroft wrote, “Done,” near the bottom of the page, indicating that he handled the matter by phone. The attached memorandum to Wickham on “Long Term U.S. Military Force Levels in Thailand” is not published.↩
  2. Kennedy asked Scowcroft to direct the DOD to produce an alternative policy option for the level of U.S. forces in Thailand.↩