Policy Planning Staff Files
Memorandum by the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Lay) to the Ad Hoc Committee on NSC 68
Subject: United States Objectives and Programs for National Security
| References: | A. NSC 68 |
| B. NSC Action No. 3211 |
At the 62nd Meeting of the National Security Council, the President made the following statement:
“The steps which we are now taking in the interests of our national security will have far-reaching effect upon the foreign, military, and domestic situation. I am therefore concerned that, despite our preoccupation with the developments in Korea, we also attempt as best we can to project our plans and programs ahead for the next four or five years. Only by such future planning will the steps which we are taking follow an orderly sequence and lead to the eventual achievement of our objectives.
“Future planning of this nature was envisaged by Secretaries Acheson and Johnson in the report which I referred to the Council in April as NSC 68. Recommendations based on that report have, in my opinion, become more rather than less urgent since the Korean [Page 352] development. In view of this situation, as well as the need to be developing our 1952 budget plans beginning in September, I would like the Council to submit to me its response to NSC 68 not later than September 1st.”
Accordingly, the President’s directive establishing the deadline date of September 1st, is referred to the Ad Hoc Committee for appropriate action.
It is suggested that the Ad Hoc Committee on NSC 68 meet on Monday, July 31, at 2:30 p. m. to determine the most expeditious means of completing its response to the President’s directive, for consideration by the National Security Council prior to September 1, 1950.
- NSC Action No. 321 indicated that at its 62nd Meeting, July 27, the National Security Council noted the statement by President Truman made at that meeting and printed in the present document. (S/S–NSC Files: Lot 66D95: NSC Actions)↩