382. National Security Decision Memorandum 249, Washington, March 23, 1974.1 2
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
March 23, 1974
National Security Decision Memorandum 249
TO: The Secretary of Defense
The Director of Central
Intelligence
The Deputy Secretary of State
SUBJECT: U.S. Deployments in Thailand
The President has reviewed the studies submitted in response to NSSM 171, related studies, and the views of the concerned Departments and Agencies. He has directed that the following actions be taken:
The Secretary of Defense should:
- — Withdraw unessential non-strike aircraft (EC-121’s and C-130’s) by June 1, 1974.
- — Withdraw US combat forces between May 15 and December 31, 1974, to a residual level of nine tactical air squadrons, one AC-130 gunship squadron and 17 B-52’s, as outlined in the plan presented by the Secretary of Defense. These withdrawals should be spaced over the period in question, with the precise timing of the withdrawals to be determined in consultation with the Thai Government.
- — Reduce MACTHAI/JUSMAGTHAI and U.S. Army Support Command manpower by 30 percent by August 31, 1974, consolidate headquarters wherever possible and eliminate all unessential headquarters and support units.
The Deputy Secretary of State should:
— Immediately initiate consultations with the Royal Thai Government on the foregoing withdrawal plans, on means of reducing the economic dislocation caused by these withdrawals, and on securing re-entry rights.
[Page 2]The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Deputy Secretary of State, should prepare and submit for the President’s consideration no later than May 1, 1974, recommendations as to equipment and facilities associated with US forces in Thailand that can be made available for turnover to the Thai as US forces are withdrawn.
The Secretary of Defense should also prepare and submit for the President’s consideration no later than May 1, 1974, alternative plans and recommendations on the transfer of EC-47 aircraft to either South Vietnam or Thailand or some combination of the two.
The Secretary of Defense in coordination with the Director of Central Intelligence and the Deputy Secretary of State should submit recommendations on alternative long term (FY 76 and beyond) US military force levels in Thailand and proposed withdrawal plans to support each of the alternatives. These recommendations should be submitted not later than June 30, 1974, for consideration by the NSC Senior Review Group.
[signed]
Henry A. Kissinger
cc: Director, Office of Management and Budget
Chairman, Joint Chiefs
of Staff
- Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 16, Thailand (2). Secret. Copies were sent to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Attached to a Defense copy of NSDM 249 is a message written in red pencil by an unknown hand on OSD letterhead: “Sec Def said, ‘not sure I’ll do anything about this one.’ ‘More crap just to keep us busy.’ Suggest we tell Doolin to go slow + check with us at each step. T.” (Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330-78-0011, Thailand, 370.02) ↩
- Kissinger issued NSDM 249 concerning U.S. deployments in Thailand.↩