S/S–NSC files, lot 63 D 351, NSC 135 Series
Memorandum by the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Lay) to the Secretary of State1
- Subject:
- Reappraisal of United States Objectives and Strategy for National Security
References:
Pursuant to the action of the National Security Council at its meeting yesterday, the President has directed you jointly to undertake, in consultation as appropriate with other departments and agencies, the preparation of materials necessary for a re-examination of the amounts and allocations of resources to various areas in terms of kind, quantity, timing and priority, to determine:
- a.
- Whether a general increase in the level of free world programs and military forces is required to deal with the several threats.
- b.
- Whether the present allocation of resources as between U.S. military forces and other free world forces is appropriate.
- c.
- Whether the present balance between military assistance and the various types of economic assistance is appropriate.
- d.
- Whether these allocations are in proper relationship to the threats facing the United States in Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East, to the importance of these areas for U.S. security, and to United States commitments.
The materials so prepared, together with any recommendations, are to be submitted to the President, through the National Security Council, prior to January 1, 1953, with a progress report to be submitted by November 15, 1952, if the work has proceeded sufficiently.
Arrangements have been made for an initial meeting of the representatives which each of you designated by telephone to constitute a steering group for this project.