Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, National Security Policy, Volume XIX

60. Memorandum From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of Defense (Wilson)¹

Washington, February 24, 1956.

SUBJECT

• Review of Basic National Security Policy, NSC 5602

1. The Joint Chiefs of Staff forward in the Enclosure² hereto their comments on NSC 5602. They consider that these comments, if adopted, will clarify certain important aspects of this paper.

2. The Joint Chiefs of Staff are, however, more concerned with the over-all aspects of NSC 5602 which in their opinion is in essence a restatement of the Basic National Security Policy as contained in both NSC 5501 and NSC 162/2.³ They feel strongly that there has been a marked deterioration of the Free World position in the past year, due mainly to a new and more flexible approach on the part of the Communist Bloc (USSR). Unless U.S. policy is realistically revised to meet the new Soviet tactics, U.S. leadership of the Free World will be jeopardized.

3. Accordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend that, regardless of action taken by the National Security Council on NSC 5602, a complete restudy of the Basic National Security Policy be made as a matter of urgency.

For the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

Arthur Radford⁴

Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff

1. Source: Department of State, S/S–NSC Files: Lot 63 D 351, NSC 5602 Series. Top Secret.
2. Not printed.
3. For text of NSC 162/2, “Basic National Security Policy,” dated October 30, 1953, see Foreign Relations, vol. II, Part 1, p. 577.
4. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.