I am informed that the attached cable has probably been leaked by the
British to State and therefore strongly recommend that you mention this
to Elliot Richardson during your
meeting today, pointing out that the Biafrans had contacted Eagleburger and that the Biafrans
refused to deal with State on this issue.
Attachment
Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Deputy Assistant for National
Security Affairs (Haig) to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National
Security Affairs (Kissinger)
[2 pages not declassified]
[Page 3]
SUBJECT:
- Items to Discuss with Elliot
Richardson on Friday, January 9, 1970 at 6:00
p.m.
I assume that you wish to utilize the main portion of your meeting
with Elliot Richardson to
discuss the Middle East paper. Your talker for this purpose is on
the left flap of this folder together with the Middle East paper. If
you have time you will wish to discuss the following additional
subjects:
1. During your last meeting Mr. Richardson left a memo with you on the problem of
the appointment of a replacement for Bill Colby. Charlie Cooke
indicated in the memorandum left with you by Mr. Richardson that MACV may attempt to
replace Colby, who is supposed to be leaving at the end of March,
with a military officer or to downgrade the position if another
civilian is appointed. I cannot comment on the accuracy of this
memorandum since I am not aware of any major problems between Colby
and Abrams. One thing however is clear— John Vann is not the man for
the job for reasons which I think were all too evident to you. Bill
Sullivan and Phil Habib also suggested by Charlie Cooke would, of
course, be outstanding in just about any job they might be
considered for. I fear, however, that both men can make a greater
contribution at a higher level because of their experience and
effectiveness. This leaves only Mendenhall. whom I do not know. I would only add one
additional criteria to those mentioned by Charlie Cooke and that is
that he should also not be a State bureaucrat or an egomaniac like
Bob Komer (Tab A)
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes_____ No_____
Comments:
2. Mention to Elliot that you have received a letter from Secretary
Volpe enclosing a copy of his Eyes Only letter to Elliot which deals
with the US/Italy Air Transport Agreement. If you discuss this
[Page 4]
with Elliot now you will
be able to assure Volpe that you have done so should he call on you
for help. Letter at Tab B.
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes____ No_____
Comments:
3. The President has written to both you and Pete Flanigan about
utilizing Willis Armstrong, who is apparently a close friend of the
Presidentʼs, in some foreign policy role. You may wish to ask Elliot
to look into the possibility of bringing him aboard in some key
role. Tab C.
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes____ No_____
Comments:
4. The President has sent you a copy of a memorandum written by Henry
Kearns, President of the Export-Import Bank, who wrote some rather
sharp impressions about the Foreign Commercial Service. The
President affirmed his agreement with Kearnsʼ impressions,
especially those which conclude that:
a. State Department personnel assigned to commercial and economic
representation abroad seldom have any knowledge of business;
b. commercial assignments are generally a dead-end for foreign
service personnel; and
c. Stateʼs selection process discourages aggressive actions by their
commercial attaches.
Kearns concluded with a recommendation that a Trade Commissioner
Corps be established. The President noted that he wants you to shake
Samuels hard and get action rather than their continuous tinkering
with status quo. I am sure you will want to show the Kearns
memorandum and the Presidentʼs hand-written comments to Mr.
Richardson (Tab D).
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes_____ No_____
Comments:
[Page 5]
5. Discuss with Mr. Richardson
the essentiality of not having the Secretaryʼs year-end report
(posture statement) published before the Presidentʼs report, which
is being prepared by the NSC.
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes [checked] No_____
Comments: [handwritten note]
6. Bring Mr. Richardson
abreast of the of the status of the NATO and your future plans with
respect to it.
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes_____ No_____
Comments:
7. Discuss the current status of Safeguard II.
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes_____ No_____
Comments:
8. I know this will be difficult but I believe you should inform Mr.
Richardson of the
initiative taken by Larry Eagleburger on Biafra. [text not declassified] it is therefore quite likely that
State already knows. I think Mr. Richardson will understand that the Biafrans have
refused to deal with State on the issue and it is, therefore,
logical that they would contact one of your people. You could also
make a point that this was just a feeler operation which you
authorized Eagleburger to
explore. (Tab E)
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes [checked] No_____
Comments: [handwritten note]
9. Discuss the current status of the Toxin issue.
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes [checked] No_____
Comments: [handwritten note]
[Page 6]
10. Discuss the handling of the US/ChiCom Ambassadorial talks which will commence January
20.
I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes_____ No_____
Comments:
