Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969–1972

238. National Security Decision Memorandum 72¹ ²

Washington, July 17, 1970.

TO:

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• The Executive Secretary, National Aeronautics and Space Council

SUBJECT:

• Exchange of Technical Data between the United States and the International Space Community

The President has reiterated his desire that the United States should encourage and provide ample opportunities for international cooperation in space activities such as the post-Apollo program.

In furtherance of this objective, the President has directed the establishment of an ad hoc interagency group to review the policy aspects of, and establish procedures for, a program of technical data exchange between the United States and those foreign governments and agencies desirous of entering into cooperative arrangements with us.

Initially, but not exclusively, the group will concentrate on guidance and procedures for future European cooperation in the space program of the United States. The guidelines and procedures so devised for the post-Apollo and other cooperative programs will be designed to provide for timely and effective interchange of technical information between the parties, while at the same time insuring protection of the U.S. national interest.

The Group will be chaired by a representative of the Administrator, NASA, and will comprise senior designees of the Secretaries of State and Defense, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Executive Secretary, National Aeronautics and Space Council.

An initial report will be submitted for consideration of the President by August 1, 1970.

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 392, Subject Files, Space Programs, 1970. Confidential. Copies were sent to David, Shultz, and Flanigan.
2. President Nixon authorized the establishment of an ad hoc interagency group to create a program of exchange technical data between the United States and the international space community, with an initial concentration on Europe.