308. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke) to Secretary of Defense McNamara1
SUBJECT
- Operations-Laos (C)
COMUSMACV has recommended expanded operations in Laos in two proposed programs: Prairie Fire Phase III (organizing an indigenous [Page 617] guerrilla force in the eastern Panhandle) and Southpaw (airmobile operations into Laos by regular GVN units). You had briefings on these programs during your last visit to Saigon.
The Prairie Fire Phase III concept, previously recommended by the Joint Chiefs of staff, was considered at the 1 August SEACOORD meeting in Saigon where it was agreed in principle there were no objections provided operations are restricted to the existing Prairie Fire area in Laos. Agreement was reached that representatives of MACV and American Embassy, Vientiane would review the specific details in order that Ambassador Sullivan might assess the political implication of these operations in terms of their impact on the Royal Lao Government. Results of this review and assessment by Ambassador Sullivan have not reported but are expected soon. Department of State concurrence in Phase III of Prairie Fire is anticipated.
In the attached JCSM–461–67 (Tab A),2 the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend that Southpaw not be implemented at this time since they consider that the political and military risks outweigh the merits of the proposed concept. They leave open the possibility that future conditions may warrant a re-evaluation.
I concur in this position and therefore recommend that you sign the attached proposed memorandum to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.3
- Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 71 A 4919, Laos 000.1—(381 Laos), 1967. Top Secret. Drafted by Mobley and Lemos.↩
- Attached, but not printed.↩
- McNamara signed the memorandum stating that he concurred in the JCS recommendation.↩
- Printed from a copy that indicates Warnke signed the original.↩