Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume IX, Vietnam, October 1972–January 1973

284. Message From the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Gayler) to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Moorer)¹

Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, January 17, 1973, 0638Z.

37463. Deliver during waking hours only. Combat requirements for SEAsia (U).

1. (TS) Pending a negotiated settlement, the enemy appears to be doing everything possible to improve his position in RVN, Laos and Cambodia, including infiltration of combat troops and supplies in quantities comparable to previous years. He continues efforts to cut LOC and isolate friendly units and population centers. He is stockpiling ammo and equipment.

2. (TS) Cessation of bombing in NVN provides opportunity:

A. To counter the ongoing NVN logistic drive southward into Laos, RVN and Cambodia. All logistic cooridors from NVN into Steel Tiger and the western DMZ area are in good condition and are supporting traffic movement. Major input corridors supporting steadily increasing traffic. Tacair strikes are necessary to interdict LOC and impede enemy traffic.

B. To blunt the enemy Barrel Roll offensive. A high level of tacair and B–52 support could turn the tide at Boum Long. A superior force equipped with 15–20 tanks threatens Vang Pao’s outpost. Additionally, air power can be used to support Operation Sala Pha Koun² and possibly restore this vital area to friendly hands.

C. To assist the FANK at this crucial time. While KI forces gradually assume offensive role in Cambodia, the NVN are moving reinforcements and logistics into base areas in eastern Cambodia and western RVN. A large increase in air power can be used to support FANK and destroy base area stockpiles.

D. To support irregular forces in the Saravane and Bolovens areas. Air power essential to support the irregular forces in retaking Saravane and denying this key logistic hub to the NVN. Previous successes in Bolovens area can be attributed to air support.

3. (TS) With possible cease fire agreements in the offing continued heavy effort required to attain optimum posture throughout SEAsia. Maximum air effort is demanded. For this purpose have 105 B–52 sorties striking 35 targets per day. Will increase B–52 strikes as necessary through dual targeting. I can now bring to bear about 700 tacair sorties daily. With an abundance of enemy targets, available sorties can effectively be employed to support friendly forces, reduce enemy stockpiles and impede NVN infiltration and resupply actions into RVN, Laos and Cambodia. With your concurrence these are my intentions for remainder of January.

4. (U) Warm respect.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 218, Records of the Chairman, Records of Thomas Moorer, Box 59, CINCPAC General Service Messages, January 1973. Top Secret; Immediate; Specat; Exclusive. Repeated to Meyer, Weyand, Clarey, and Clay.
2. Sala Phou Khoun, a small town in Laos, is strategically located at the intersection of east-west highway Route 7 and north-south highway Route 13. The latter was and is the main highway linking Vientiane with Luang Prabang.