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
[Typeset Page 88]
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
[Typeset Page 89]
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.
