Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume X, National Security Policy

35. Memorandum From President Johnson to Secretary of Defense McNamara¹

Washington, June 18, 1964.

SUBJECT

• FY 1966 Nuclear Weapons Production and Stockpile

I approve the proposed Nuclear Weapons Stockpile for the end of FY 1966 submitted to me by the Department of Defense and Atomic Energy Commission on December 19, 1963 (as subsequently amended by the joint memorandum by the Department of Defense and Bureau of the Budget on May 29, 1964).²

Accordingly, I approve a total of [number not declassified]complete nuclear weapons ([number not declassified] nuclear warhead elements) as the stockpile composition for the end of FY 1966. I also approve a total of [number not declassified] complete nuclear weapons ([number not declassified] nuclear warhead elements) as the adjusted stockpile composition for the end of FY 1965. This will mean a planned production by the Atomic Energy Commission of [number not declassified]complete weapons and a planned retirement of [number not declassified] complete weapons during FY 1966.

I authorize you, in coordination with the Atomic Energy Commission, to make such minor changes (±10%) within the production total of [number not declassified] complete weapons for FY 1965 as may be necessary to adjust production schedules to meet AEC material availabilities. I further authorize you to make minor changes (±10%) in any line item or collective total that may be required because of adjusted delivery system assets or changes in strategic, tactical, air defense, or antisubmarine warfare concepts. Any changes indicative of a major shift in defense policy or AEC production capability will be submitted for my approval.

Lyndon B. Johnson

1. Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 69 A 7425, A–400.23 (6 Mar 64). Top Secret; Restricted Data. A stamped notation, dated July 13, indicates that McNamara saw the memorandum.
2. Neither found.