The enclosed memorandum from the Acting Secretary of Defense transmits
the plan on the above subject developed pursuant to NSC Actions Nos. 1842–g–(4) and 1844–b, which has been
concurred in by the Department of State and the Joint Chiefs of
Staff.
The enclosures are transmitted herewith for discussion by the National
Security Council at its meeting on Thursday, March 20, 1958.
cc: The Secretary of the Treasury
The Attorney General
The Director, Bureau of the Budget
The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Director of Central Intelligence
Enclosure
Memorandum From Quarles to
Lay
Washington,
March 5,
1958
[Facsimile Page 2]
SUBJECT
- Study Relative to the Capabilities of Forces for Limited
Military Operations
1. Forwarded herewith, for circulation to the members of the National
Security Council, is the plan on the above subject developed
pursuant to NSC Actions Nos.
1842–g–(4) and 1844–b. It has been concurred in by the Department of State and
the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
2. It is contemplated that the plan will form the basis for a study
by the Departments of State and Defense which will be sufficiently
broad
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to
include consideration of the entire range of U.S. and allied
capabilities for limited military operations. It is not intended,
however, that this examination will extend to the preparation of
detailed plans to deal with each situation.
Attachment
Washington, undated
[Facsimile Page 3]
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR COORDINATED
STUDY GROUP PURSUANT TO NSC
ACTION NO, 1844–b
PROBLEM: To examine U.S. and allied
capabilities for limited military operations from the present to 1
July 1961.
DEFINITION: Limited Military
Operations include any armed conflict short of an overt
engagement of U.S. and USSR armed
forces which has been directed by or concurred in by competent
political authority. There exists the possibility of isolated
incidents involving small units of the U.S. and USSR forces which would not lead to
war. The degree of participation in limited military operations by
the United States may vary from the furnishing of military supplies
to the engagement of a portion of the U.S. armed forces.
ASSUMPTIONS:
- a.
- The essential elements of U.S. national strategy as set
forth in NSC 5707/8 will
remain unchanged during the period covered by the
study.
- b.
- Unrestricted U.S. military operations against mainland
China would probably lead to general war. On the other hand,
it is probable that the United States could engage in
effective military action against mainland China without
undue risk of initiating general war.
- c.
- Limited military operations could be in progress in more
than one area of the world simultaneously.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
- a.
- An examination will be made of existing and projected (to
1 July 1961) U.S. and allied capabilities for limited
military operations with or without the use of nuclear
weapons.
- b.
- An examination will be made of the most likely situations
which may develop around the world and which could, in the
light of U.S. commitments and security interests, involve
the United States in
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limited military operations. This
examination will include, with respect to each such
situation, a consideration of
- (1)
- Domestic and foreign political background and
implications,
- (2)
- Enemy objectives and capabilities,
- (3)
- U.S. national objectives,
- (4)
- Available U.S. and allied capabilities,
- (5)
- Effect of U.S. involvement on the U.S. and allied
posture for general war, and
- (6)
- Special political and military problems involved
in the use of nuclear weapons.
The examination will not extend to the preparation of detailed plans
to deal with each situation.
- c.
- Conclusions will be drawn as to
- (1)
- Capabilities required to deal with the situations most
likely to involve the United States in limited military
operations, in a manner that will minimize the
likelihood of general war.
- (2)
- Adequacy of existing and projected U.S. and allied
capabilities.
- (3)
- Other significant issues revealed by the examination
under a and b.
- d.
- In the light of the conclusions, appropriate recommendations
as to U.S. national security policy and U.S. and allied
capabilities for limited military operations will be presented
for NSC consideration.
DATE OF COMPLETION: The study should be
completed by 1 June 1958.
