241. Editorial Note
Acting in his capacity as Coordinator of the Omega program, Douglas MacArthur II divided into two parts the task of implementing the special Middle East policy contemplated in Document 222 and approved by the President on March 28 (see Document 223).
Fraser Wilkins assumed responsibility for the daily execution and implementation of those aspects of the program that the President had already accepted. Francis Russell took on the task of planning the implementation of additional measures.
[Page 462]To assist and advise Russell, MacArthur established an interdepartmental planning group, chaired by Russell and comprised of the Departments of State and Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency. Herman Phleger, Herbert V. Prochnow, and a representative from the United States Information Agency also attended meetings on an ad hoc basis. (Memorandum for the files by Russell, April 5; Department of State, NEA Files: Lot 59 D 518, Omega—Memos, etc. from March 24, 1956 to April 23, 1956)
On April 6, MacArthur met with Wilkins, Russell, and the representatives of the interested agencies. MacArthur outlined the project, described the respective functions and responsibilities of Wilkins and Russell, and established that the planning group would hold its first formal meeting on April 9 at 3 p.m. (Memorandum of conversation, April 6; Ibid., S/S–NEA Files: Lot 61 D 417, Omega #2) The group became known as the Middle East Planning Group. (Memorandum from Russell to Allen and Rountree, April 11; Ibid., NEA Files: Lot 59 D 518, Omega—ME Policy Planning Group 1956)