PPS Files, Lot 64 D 563

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

top secret

Subject: United States Programs for National Security

References: A. NSC 114/21 and Related Papers
B. NSC Action No. 575–a.2

The President has this date approved the recommendation of the National Security Council (NSC Action No. 575–a.) with respect to NSC 114/2 on the subject, and directs its implementation by all appropriate executive departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, as follows:

  • The responsible departments and agencies are authorized to proceed [Page 238] with the preliminary budget submissions for Fiscal Year 1953 on the basis of the programs described in Part II3 of NSC 114/2, subject to:
    (1)
    The understanding that the Department of Defense will prepare preliminary budget submissions for the Military Program within the estimate of 45 billion dollars set forth in paragraph 25 thereof, pending further consideration of the 50 billion dollar requirement for additional reserve stocks.
    (2)
    Revision of the Program for Foreign Economic and Military Assistance in the light of the results of the current work of the Special Temporary Commission of the North Atlantic Council.
    (3)
    Revision of the Civil Defense Program in order to provide as a matter of urgency a more adequate degree of protection for the United States than is presently programmed in this field.
    (4)
    Review of the Internal Security Program with particular reference to the sections thereof relating to the security of industrial plants.
    (5)
    Further study of the economic, social and political implications of the programs as a whole.

In approving this recommendation, the President stated that the authorization contained therein establishes neither an upper nor a lower limit for budget estimates, but in accordance with the understanding of the Secretary of Defense as stated at the Council meeting, it constitutes a point of departure for the normal budget process.

James S. Lay, Jr.
  1. For partial text, see p. 182.
  2. See Record of Actions by the National Security Council at its 105th Meeting, October 17, supra.
  3. Part II of NSC 114/2, Summary Description of Programs, is not printed.