Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXXVIII, Part 2, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy; Public Diplomacy, 1973–1976

194. Memorandum From Secretary of the Treasury Shultz to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Washington, February 27, 1973.

SUBJECT

• Treasury Representation in WASAG

In light of the new emphasis on economic assistance for the reconstruction of Vietnam, I believe it would be desirable for the Treasury Department to be represented in the Washington Special Action Group (WASAG).

I understand that WASAG has in the past been the forum for discussion of the more important problems relating to Vietnam, and that this role is likely to continue in the future.

The Treasury has, as you know, made some suggestions regarding the modalities of multilateral assistance for North Vietnam, a field in which we can be of considerable assistance because of our relationships with all the principal national and international financial institutions.

I am suggesting Treasury representation only at WASAG meetings involving Vietnam. Unless other problems scheduled for consideration in that body have major economic implications, there would be no need for us to participate.

If you agree to attendance by a Treasury representative, I would nominate Deputy Secretary Simon, with my Special Assistant, John Hart, as Alternate.²

George P. Shultz³

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1052, Institutional Materials, NSC Institutional Papers—February 1973. Limited Official Use.
2. Although no response from Kissinger was found, the Department of the Treasury was not granted WSAG representation.
3. Printed from a copy that bears this stamped signature with an indication that Shultz signed the original.