Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–6, Documents on Africa, 1973–1976

48. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, and Director of Central Intelligence Bush¹ ²

Washington, May 25, 1976

SUBJECT:

• National Security Study Memorandum 241: U.S. Policy in Southern Africa

In order to take into account the findings of the Secretary of State during his recent trip to Africa, the President has directed that the study requested in NSSM 241 include consideration of the following points:

• —The security and economic requirements of Zaire, Zambia and Kenya, with recommendations as to the need for an magnitude of increased United States economic, military or security supporting assistance.
• —The feasibility of a major multilateral venture for Sahel development, with recommendations as to United States leadership and participation in the further development of international cooperation to resolve this major problem. The study should address recommended funding levels and institutional approaches to U.S. participation in such a program.

Where applicable, recommended courses of action in the NSSM 241 study should include an indication of the budgetary implications therein.

The NSC Interdepartmental Group preparing the study should be expanded to include a representative of the Office of Management and Budget.

In view of these additional requirements, the deadline for the submission of the study to the NSC Senior Review Group is extended to June 11, 1976.

Brent Scowcroft

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Executive Registry, Job 84 B 00513R, Box 8, NSSM 241. Secret. Copies were sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Director, Office of Management and Budget. NSSM 241, in scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations of the United States, Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa, 1969–1976. The NSSM 241 study was never completed. An undated draft Summary Overview of the study is found in the Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Institutional Files, Box 43, Submission of Summary Overview of NSSM 241.
2. Scowcroft indicated that in order to take account of Secretary of State Kissinger’s trip to Africa, President Ford had directed that NSSM 241, U.S. Policy in Southern Africa, include two additional points: security and economic requirements of Zaire, Zambia and Kenya, and the feasibility of a major multilateral venture for Sahel development.