420. Editorial Note

In his December 13, 1969, memorandum to the President recommending approval of nickel sales from the stockpile (see footnote 3, Document 419), Henry Kissinger indicated he was forwarding separately a more detailed explanation of the issues and problems associated with the stockpile of critical materials and implied that a NSSM would be issued to resolve them. No such NSSM was found.

On December 19 Peter Flanigan sent Kissinger a memorandum recalling a discussion of stockpiles and requesting a copy of the study if it had been completed. He also referred to his responsibility for the Office of Emergency Preparedness. On Flanigan’s memorandum Kissinger wrote: “Send him Lynn memo—but tell him to lay off—explain Pres. feelings,” and a note by Haig reads: “I’ve done this.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Subject Files, Box 396, Stockpile) No memorandum by Larry Lynn, who staffed stockpile issues at the National Security Council, has been found.