Date : 07/14/98 Page : 1 JFK ASSASSINATION SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION FORM AGENCY INFORMATION Released under the John . Kennedy Lesassination Records AGENCY : NSC ollection Act of 1992 RECORD NUMBER : 145-10001-10269 RECORDS SERIES : ' . NW 5 : AGENCY FILE NUMBER : 148 Sa ees bate DOCUMENT INFORMATION (44 USC 2107 Note). ORIGINATOR : NSC FROM : MAXWELL TAYLOR TO : THE PRESIDENT TITLE : MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDEN DATE : 09/27/62 ’ PAGES : 2 SUBJECTS : THE SPECIAL GROUP (AUGMENTED) AND THE SPECIAL GROUP (5412) OPERATION MONGOOSE AND PROGRAM AGAINST VIETNAM DOCUMENT TYPE : PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT CLASSIFICATION : RESTRICTIONS : 1A, 4 CURRENT STATUS : RELEASED WITH DELETIONS ) DATE OF LAST REVIEW : 02/17/98 OPENING CRITERIA : COMMENTS NO JOINT STAFF OBJECTION TO DECLASSIFICATION MAR = 2018 DATE: HW 542714 DBocld: 32977089 Page 1
HW 542714 ee THE WHITE HOUSE wn WASHINGTON 27 September 1962 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT The Special Group (Augmented) and the Special Group (5412) took _the following actions at their meetings today: 1. MONGOOSE In accordance with an earlier request by the Group, a proposal for the use of balloons to drop propaganda leaflets, and possibly other small objects of propaganda value, over Cuba was discussed. The Group approved the concept, subject to presentation of a more detailed operational plan. In brief this operation would involve the release from a small boat, on a periodic basis, of small balloons which would overfly Cuba at night and would drop propaganda materials through the means of a timing device. The Group felt that such an operation should be con- ducted ostensibly by Cuban exiles, with close policy control behind the scenes. The latter woujd include approval of the content of the propaganda through secure “contact witht the Cubans involved. Reliable weather and other technical information would be provided. CIA has built up a considerable body of technical know-how on operations of the type, from previous activities of a similar nature in Europe. 2. Program Against Vietnam The Group considered a proposal by CIA for covert activities designed to harass the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This had been prepared in response to a request by the Secretaries of State and Defense. The Special Group asked that a more detailed operational plan be | prepared. In the meantime it was agreed that Defense will make certain equipment and personnel available to CIA in support of this program. An Elint flight designed to identify the North Vietnamese radar order of battle, so as to permit planning of overflight routes, was authorized. This will be flown out of Saigon, using the specially-equipped aircraft available on Taiwan, but with the Chinese Air Force markings removed, and employing Chinese Nationalist pilots documented as South Vietnamese citizens. DoclIda: 32977089 Page 2?
HW 54714 -2- 3. Stay-Behind Plannin Laos The Group approved a CIA proposal for stay-behind activities in Laos, involving Meo and Kha tribesmen. The mission of these individuals, who have already been trained and equipped, will be basically restricted to the collection of intelligence and the securing of safe areas. The plan is to a considerable extent contingent onjthe Thais sere ie to allowssmall numbers of their "special force" person o remain in the area It is proposed to leave two Americans in the north with the Meos, one in the south with the Khas. It was the firm consensus of the Group that unless Americans remain behind, there is no possibility ((9 if of inducing#the Thais to leave their own personnel ther€. oA Larebiep DoclIda: 32977089 Page 3