Memorandum by the Secretary of Defense (Johnson) to the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Lay)2
[NSC 83]
Subject: The Position of the United States with Respect to Irish Participation in NATO and MDAP
In my opinion recent developments in the world situation make it desirable and appropriate for this Government to examine the question of Ireland’s relationship to NATO and MDAP.
I recommend that the NSC Staff study this matter and submit a report thereon for the consideration of the Council. In preparing its [Page 1477] report I believe the Staff should give consideration to the following specific aspects of the problem:
The desirability of the U.S. undertaking diplomatic negotiations to encourage Irish participation in NATO based on the changed world situation since the original Irish decision of abstention.
The desirability of granting military assistance to Ireland whether or not Ireland joins NATO based on bilateral agreements, if necessary.
- Lot 63 D 351 is a serial master of National Security Council documents and correspondence and related Department of State memoranda for the years 1947–1961, as maintained by the Executive Secretariat of the Department of State.↩
- This memorandum was submitted to the National Security Council on September 11, and together with a note of transmission by Lay and a cover sheet, neither printed, comprised the paper designated NSC 83.↩