310. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Battle) to Secretary of State Rusk1
SUBJECT
- [1 line of source text not declassified]
Background
NSAM 348,2 approved by the President in May 1966, authorized the construction of a facility [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] which could be used in the event our Peshawar facility became unavailable. In accordance with the NSAM, we are about to begin the construction of a warehouse [3–1/2 lines of source text not declassified].
On August 19, Mr. Helms wrote you a letter (Tab B)3 suggesting that it might be inadvisable in terms of our relations with the Shah and our overall intelligence interests in Iran to proceed with the facility as planned. The main issue to be resolved is the political advisability of proceeding with the plan. In addition there are some questions about how much intelligence effort in Iran is needed to substitute for Peshawar. Mr. Helms suggests that construction of the facility be suspended until a review of the issues has been completed and suggests that I coordinate this review. I am having an inter-agency meeting on the matter today.
Recommendation
That you sign the attached reply (Tab A)4 to Mr. Helms indicating that you have asked me to coordinate action on this matter.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, BG 16 TEHRAN. Top Secret. Drafted by Eliot and cleared by Handley and in draft by Deputy Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research George C. Denny, Jr.↩
- For text of NSAM No. 348, see footnote 2, Document 146.↩
- Not attached. A typed notation on Rusk’s reply to Helms (Tab A) reads: “Sensitive incoming letter retained by INR/Richard Curl.”↩
- Attached but not printed. Rusk wrote Helms that he agreed that it would be useful for all concerned to review these plans once again, and that Battle should coordinate action on this matter.↩