Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969–1972

9. National Security Study Memorandum 23¹

Washington, February 20, 1969.

• TO
  • The Secretary of Defense

• SUBJECT
  • Amendments to FY 70 Defense Budget

The President desires to have a National Security Council Meeting at 10 a.m., March 4, 1969,² to consider the principal amendments to the FY 70 Defense Budget, especially with respect to the Sentinel Program, proposed by the Secretary of Defense.

A paper outlining the amendments to be discussed and their rationale should be forwarded to the President by March 1, 1969. In the case of the Sentinel Program, the paper should include an analysis of the alternatives considered in reviewing and evaluating the program and an outline of a public information program conforming to the Secretary of Defense’s recommendation.

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 365, Subject Files, NSSMs, Nos. 1–42. Secret. Copies were sent to Agnew, Rogers, Wheeler, Helms, Lincoln, and Robert Mayo.
2. The NSC meeting was actually held on March 5; see Document 16.