243. Memorandum by the Army Member of the State–Army–Navy–Air Force Coordinating Committee (Pixtou)0

SANACC 304/8

PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE

1.
With the question of the functioning of the National Security Council still undetermined and with the SANACC now being reconstituted, I consider it premature and unnecessary at this time to determine the agency to whom the proposed psychological warfare agency shall be accountable. I recommend, therefore, that this remain a problem for [Page 626] future determination in the light of subsequent developments in the organization and operation of the National Security Council and the SANACC. Subject to this reservation I approve SANACC 304/6.1
2.
I note that the terms of reference of the Subcommittee limit its considerations to those within the time frame of war or threat of war as determined by the President. I am of the opinion that the changing tenor of events of the past few months has raised for serious consideration the problem of determining the desirability or necessity of engaging in deliberate coordinated psychological effort on a national scale at the present time. I recommend, therefore, that the Subcommittee be directed to consider and make recommendations as a matter of urgency, on the problem “Should the U.S. at the present time utilize coordinated psychological measures in furtherance of the attainment of its national objectives? If so, what organization is required and what should be its terms of reference?”
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 353, Records of Interdepartmental and Intradepartmental Committees—State Department, Records of the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee, Box 55, File 304, 381, Psychological Warfare Pt. 1. Secret. Transmitted under an October 20 transmittal note from the committee secretariat.
  2. See footnote 2, Document 242.