Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Korea, Volume XXIII, Part 2

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

Washington, January 24, 1957.

SUBJECT

• Evaluation of Alternative Military Programs for Korea—NSC 5702² (C)

1. The Joint Chiefs of Staff submit herewith their views on the alternatives set forth in paragraph 9 of NSC 5702.

2. Alternatives A, B, C, and D in the subject document set forth four different military programs for Korea. Alternative B reflects the views of the Joint Chiefs of Staff previously expressed in their memorandum to you on 11 October 1956³ as their minimum requirement. The Joint Chiefs of Staff still adhere to the program outlined in Alternative B for the reasons advanced by them in the above-mentioned memorandum.

3. The Joint Chiefs of Staff consider the military programs expressed in Alternatives C and D are inadequate to the present political-military situation existing in Korea. They are of the opinion that prior to consideration of such major modification of ROK forces as proposed in those Alternatives, there must be demonstrated progress toward the solution of the many and varied problems that aggravate the unsatisfactory conditions perpetuating the division of Korea. Therefore, in the interest of achieving this goal, they urge further efforts to this end.

4. The Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend that the foregoing form the basis of the Department of Defense position on NSC 5702.

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 5702 Series. Top Secret. Circulated to the NSC on January 30 under cover of a note from Executive Secretary Lay, as background for the NSC meeting of January 31.
2. Document 196.
3. Document 172.
4. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.