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(~ NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

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THE NRO STAFF October 9, 1969 

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MEMORANDUM FOR CO ALLEN 

SUBJECT: Air Reconnaissance of South China 

Captain Wilson called me with reference to Dr. McLucas' 

memo of October 7 (attached) for Mr. Packard on the subject: 

Air Reconnaissance of South China. 

Captain Wilson indicated that Mr. Packard had reviewed the 

memo and had some concern about the substantive recommendation 

(paragraph 2 of Dr. Mc Lucas' letter) and had related to Captain 

Wilson his feelings: Mr. Packard understands Dr. Mc Lucas I recommendation and agrees that the technical and operational considerations in selecting the appropriate asset would certainly be 

based on Dr. McLucas' advice. However, Mr. Packard points out 

that such advice is always sought by Mr. Packard and is usually 

provided by Dr. Mc Lucas through his direct line (DNRO) re sponsibility to Mr. Packard. Mr. Packard is concerned that if he were 

to suggest a modification of the particular option as written, the 303 

Committee might misunderstand the modified option and conclude 

that we are attempting to usurp its prerogatives, particularly since 

there are some peculiar political considerations involved in this 

decision. Mr. Packard feels that the Committee clearly understands 

the option as written and recognizes the Dr. McLucas/Mr. Packard 

role in such a decision. Further, Mr. Packard points out that he is 

in a position to insure that Dr. Mc Lucas I advice in such a selection is 

sought since it would obviously be the basis for his position in the 

Committee deliberations. Accordingly, Mr. Packard prefers not to 

deal with the proposed modification of the option. He asked that we 

be sureto pass this word to Dr. McLucas. 

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I did have an opportunity to explain to Captain Wilson that we 

had no intention of becoming involved in the political considerations 

and recognized that they were paramount in the decision on this 

particular item, but that we were simply trying to assure that, 

should a resumption of overflight be authorized, the DNRO's advice 

in the selection of the appropriate asset would be represented in 

any decision by the Committee or higher authority. As I understand 

Mr. Packard's comments, we have that assurance without a modification of the option. 

Colonel, USAF 

Copy to Colonel Sweeney 

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.Sl}3J2CT: P;..i~c Ile:co::1-:aissa:n.cc of Sout}: Cl1i:t1a 

l\..E?.S=-zE~CE: Draft ::vi~r.c1orandum ior the P:~csidcnti subject as above, 

from Hcn:.:y A. Kissin.ger 

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(BYE-106, 265-693) 

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October 196S· 

SUBJECT: Air Reconnaissance of South China 

di3cussicns on aerial reconnaissance ever South \ 

the 303 

!~t:ac~ a =cviscd draft of a pro?osc~ 82~orcndu~ to the 

i?r~sidcnt. , 

·,. 

! will.appreciate your co~curr~ncc, co~2cnts o= 

\si.;z3cstio:1s £0::: .:h.::1:::z2s .::~ y6u::.H o.:.rly CO:-lVC:1icnct;· .. 

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l06,265-6SJ2-l. 

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