85. Letter From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Loy) to the Director of the Defense Communications Agency (Starbird)1

Dear General Starbird:

National Security Action Memorandum 342 requires that this Department and A.I.D. determine what steps should be taken, if any, to encourage the early establishment of earth stations in selected less-developed countries for use in conjunction with the INTELSAT system.

Previously it was determined that the following countries should be tentatively considered as the “selected” countries:

  • Brazil
  • Central America
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ethiopia
  • India
  • Kenya
  • Korea
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Viet Nam

This list is subject to change and certain of these countries are accorded a higher priority than others. In general the countries were selected for a combination of reasons including political, economic, technical and national security factors.

We are of course aware of your interest for the establishment of earth stations in Thailand and the Philippines. However, we believe it would be helpful if you could inform us which of the above listed countries, or other developing countries not listed above, the Defense Department would like to see placed in a priority position in the establishment of earth stations, with particular regard to the need for such stations in meeting NCS telecommunications requirements.

Sincerely yours,

Frank E. Loy 2
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Central Files, 1964–66, TEL 6. Confidential. Drafted by Nelson (E) and cleared by Gil Carter (AID) and O’Connell.
  2. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.