704. Memorandum from General LeMay to McNamara, August 1, with two appendices1
[Facsimile Page 1]
SUBJECT
- US Action in Event of Cuban Attack on US Aircraft/Ships (U)
1. Current policy does not address specifically the matter of US fighter
aircraft overflying Cuba while en route to the scene of a Cuban attack
on US aircraft or ships operating outside of Cuban territory.
2. However, Rules of Engagement, promulgated by direction of the
President on 28 February 1963, prohibit US forces from penetrating Cuban
territory in pursuit of Cuban forces which have attacked US aircraft or
ships operating outside of Cuban territory. On this basis, overflight of
Cuban territory while en route to the scene is not included in the
authorized military options for response to an attack by Cuba on US
forces operating outside of Cuban territory.
3. The Commander in Chief, Atlantic (CINCLANT), has pointed out that reaction time for US
fighter aircraft to respond to an attack on US forces, for example south
of western Cuba and north of eastern Cuba, can be reduced 10 to 30
minutes, with comparable increases in time for action at the scene, if
routing over Cuban territory is authorized. CINCLANT considers that incidents of
Cuban attack on US forces, where overflight of Cuba would be militarily
advantageous, most likely would involve aircraft engaged in
reconnaissance efforts but also could involve US shipping and cases
where lives of US nationals or national interests are in jeopardy.
4. The option of overflying Cuba in certain instances, and under certain
conditions, where US aircraft or ships are attacked by Cuban [Facsimile Page 2] forces is
considered highly desirable by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Accord[Typeset Page 1810]ingly, it is
recommended that a memorandum substantially the same as that in the
Appendix hereto be forwarded to the President.
For the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
Curtis F.
LeMay
Acting Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff
[Facsimile Page 3]
Attachment
DRAFT
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT
- US Action in the Event of Cuban Attack on US Aircraft/Ships
(U)
1. At your direction on 28 February 1963, Rules of Engagement were
promulgated with respect to action by US forces in event of a Cuban
attack on US aircraft or ships operating outside of Cuban territory.
These rules prohibit US forces from penetrating Cuban territory in
pursuit of Cuban forces involved.
2. On this basis, overflight of Cuban territory while en route to the
scene of an attack is not included in the authorized military
options for responses to an attack by Cuba on US aircraft or ships
operation outside of Cuban territory.
3. Incidents of Cuban attack on US forces operations [illegible in
the original] of Cuban territory which are considerate most likely
would involve aircraft engaged in reconnaissance efforts, but also
could involve US shipping and cases were lives of US nationals or
national interests are in jeopardy. Should attacks occur, for
example south of western Cuba and north of eastern Cuba, the en
route time for US fighter support can be reduced 10 to 30 minutes,
with a comparable increase in time for action at the scene, by
routing over Cuban territory. This quicker en route reaction time
could be the difference between providing an effective defense for
US interests or arriving too late for action.
4. In light of the [illegible in the original] [Facsimile Page 4] may arise [illegible in
the original] presence of US forces [illegible in the original]
possible [illegible in the original] would be in the best national
interests, a draft statement of policy which would authorize
overflight of Cuban territory in certain instances, and under
certain conditions, has been prepared and is attached.2 Its approval
is recommended.
[Facsimile Page 5]
[Typeset Page 1811]
Annex
STATEMENT OF POLICY
ON
US ACTION IN EVENT OF CUBAN ATTACK ON
US AIRCRAFT/SHIPS (U)
The following policy is issued pertaining to US action in the event
of Cuban attack in the area surrounding Cuba against US
aircraft/ships:
a. In specific instances in which adherence to international airspace
would delay significantly the arrival of US fighter aircraft at the
scene of a Cuban attack against US aircraft/ships operating outside
of Cuban territory, overflight of Cuba by fighter aircraft is
authorized subject to the following:
(1) It must be established that the US aircraft/ship is being
attacked, or the US aircraft/ship has been attacked and lives of US
personnel are endangered.
(2) Overflight times are minimized with due regard to risk to
aircraft. While en route every effort will be taken to avoid
provocative acts. Engagement will not be undertaken during the
overflight except for self-defense against aircraft attack.
(3) From the time of arrival at the scene current rules of engagement
will pertain, with return to home or diversion airfield via air
space over international waters, if practicable.
(4) The most [illegible in the original] will be used to inform
[illegible in the original] flight of Cuba [illegible in the
original] action shall be [illegible in the original] same
manner.
