317. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Weinberger to the Chief of Naval Operations (Hayward)1
Washington, June 1, 1982
SUBJECT
- UK Request for AN/ASQ–81 (V) Magnetic Detector Sets (TS)—ACTION MEMORANDUM
After considering the Navy’s recommendation,2 I have decided to approve the British request for the following equipment, with delivery as previously specified by the UK:
—15 AN/ASQ–81 (V–2) Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) Sets with 9 shipboard spare kits3
—9 AN/ASM–454 Test Sets
—9 MX/956 Cable Maintenance Fixtures
—1 Magnetic Detector Noise Kit
—24 Shipping Containers
Caspar W.
Weinberger
- Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 330–86–0042, UK 1982. Top Secret; Eyes Only. At the bottom of the memorandum, Weinberger wrote: “This request was sent to us on May 8. We should have acted on it in no less than 1 week. 3 weeks is far too long in a wartime situation. I want all of these requests presented to me within 1 week of receipt. CWW.”↩
- In a May 29 memorandum to Weinberger presenting the British request for action, Iklé summarized the Navy recommendation: “Originally, the Navy recommended providing 11 of the sets, but not the remaining 4, since these would have to come off active or reserve aircraft. Subsequently, the Navy discovered that the 11 sets were not complete and, as a result, changed its recommendation to disapproval.” (Ibid.)↩
- On June 2, Hayward replied to Weinberger with a memorandum stating that the Navy staff had “initiated appropriate action” to provide the requested sets “expeditiously.” On the memorandum, Hayward added the following notation: “As Capt. Cormack can explain to you, we are being very responsive to these British requests, including this case which on the surface appeared to be excessively delayed.” (Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 330–84–0004, UK Jun–Jul 1982)↩