265. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Battle) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Rockwell)1
SUBJECT
- Study of our Oil Interests in the Middle East
In considering the recent State-Defense study prepared under Ambassador Holmes,2 the SIG directed IRG/NEA, in cooperation with IRG/AF, to come up with a better assessment of our oil interests in the area, and whether or not the threat to these interests can be minimized.
I would like you to chair a small group to draft the assessment which the SIG has requested. Your group should have representation from E (which I assume will provide a major share of the input), AF and, I should think, CIA as well perhaps as EUR and INR. Your assessment should take account of scientific and technological research and development prospects, as they may affect the future for oil.
Your draft should be ready by November 6, so that it may be considered by IRG/NEA (and also by IRG/AF if it wishes) in time to permit the study to be forwarded to the SIG by November 15.