Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, China, Volume XIX

400. Memorandum for the Record by the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Gray)⁰

Washington, February 4, 1960.

SUBJECT

• Discussion with the President on Tibet, 4 February 1960

PRESENT

• White House:
  • Mr. Gray
• State:
  • Mr. Herter
  • Mr. Merchant
• Defense:
  • Mr. Douglas
  • Mr. Irwin
• CIA
  • Mr. Dulles
  • General Cabell
  • Mr. FitzGerald

Mr. Dulles briefed the group on CIA operations in support of the Tibetan resistance. He covered the history of the program [2 line of source text not declassified] and he described the high quality of the resistance fighters and their strong motivation.

The DCI requested approval for the continuation of the program [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] to the resistance elements so far identified and to those which are expected to be contacted in the future. [3-1/2 lines of source text not declassified]

The President wondered whether the net result of these operations would not be more brutal repressive reprisals by the Chinese Communists who he felt might not find continued resistance tolerable. Mr. FitzGerald pointed out that there could be no greater brutality than had been experienced in Tibet in the past.

The President asked the Secretary of State whether he was in favor of proceeding as recommended by Mr. Dulles. The Secretary responded that he was so in favor after full consultation with appropriate persons in his department. He felt not only would continue successful resistance by the Tibetans prove to be a serious harassment to the Chinese Communists but would serve to keep the spark alive in the entire area. He felt that the long-range results could mean much to the free world apart from humanitarian considerations for the Tibetans.

Mr. Dulles emphasized that this program has been, and will continue to be, subject to close review by the Designated Representatives under NSC 5412/2;¹ that all significant developments will be brought to the attention of the Representatives; and that in the event anything arises indicating the desirability of a change in plans, the Representatives will be consulted.

The President gave his approval for the continuation of the program as outlined.

Gordon Gray

0. Source: Eisenhower Library, White House Office Files, Project Clean Up. Secret; Eyes Only.
1. NSC 5412/2, “National Security Council Directive on Covert Operations,” December 28, 1955, provided that designated representatives of the Secretaries of State and Defense and of the President should be advised in advance of major covert programs and should be the normal channel for giving policy approval for such programs. (Ibid., Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Records)