S/S–NSC Files, Lot 63 D 351, NSC 114 Series

Memorandum for the National Security Council by the Executive Secretary (Lay)

top secret

Subject: Status and Timing of Current U.S. Programs for National Security

References: NSC 114/11 and Annexes to NSC 114/12

The President has noted the reference report and the Annexes thereto as indicative of the status of the present programs. He has this date approved the “Conclusions” contained in Part III thereof, and directs their implementation by all appropriate executive departments and agencies of the U.S. Government.

[Page 158]

In connection with the above actions the President also issued the following directive:

“I believe that this report has been very helpful in indicating the status of our various national security programs in relation to the NSC 68 goals. It is my desire, however, that this information be available to me hereafter on a continuing basis in order that I may be currently advised of progress toward meeting these goals and as a basis for determining any further steps that may be required in that connection.

“I am therefore directing the NSC Executive Secretary to establish, as a part of his staff, a small reporting unit which will keep currently informed on the status of all of our national security programs, and ensure that such status reports as may be required are made available promptly to me or to the National Security Council. The principal duty of this reporting unit will be to work with representatives of the responsible departments and agencies to be sure that the various status reports made by these departments and agencies contain the necessary information and fit together without gaps or unnecessary duplication.

“I am sure that this reporting unit will, with the wholehearted cooperation and assistance of all responsible departments and agencies, prove to be a valuable adjunct to our national security efforts.”

James S. Lay, Jr.
  1. Ante, p. 127.
  2. The annexes are described in footnote 9, p. 129.