104-10310-100%0 = e a i MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD SUBJECT: Special Group (5412) Meeting, Situation Reom at the White House, 29 August 1963, 1430 l. In attendance were Mr. MeGeorge Bundy, Mr. Gilpatric, Mr. Alexis Johnsen, Mr. Tom Parrott and, for appropriate items, Calonel Steakley of JRC and Mr. Bruce Cheever of CIA. . é The monthly reconnaissance forecasts for both NRO and DOD were approved in tote, although Secretary Johnson withheld . replenishing the Laos bank (since we still have a credit of one) _ until he had been briefed by Lundabl as te just how effective this photography was. He appears te have some doubt that we are getting anything that's worthwhile. 3. On the problem of negotiations for an Indian base it was the consensus that we should not approach Sarit at the present time - for use of Takhli unless there were overriding intelligence require- mente approved by USIB at the next mecting. Gilpatric showed me a memorandum from General Carroll urging that we get the photos and after the meeting I noted a somewhat less. enthusiastic urging from Sheldon. While the Special Group did not seem to be enthusi- astic about making the flights, they agreed to withheld judgment pending a USIB reaction from the meeting next Thureday. Please have it placed en the agenda for discussion. — 4 There was some discussion on the support of autonomous anti-Castre groupe and seme concern as te what reactions we might expect frem Castro. Mr. Bundy asked that this item be held over for the meeting next week at which time he would want to ebtain Mr. McCone's views since Mr. McCone had stated that he wanted te take another loak at the matter. The Group (particularly Johnsen) did nat seem to be enthusiastic about using a Britieh-owned island without telling the British. There were warm remarks made about Mr. Paeley's capabilities although Bundy expressed some
concern that since Pawiey had been such @ staunch supporter of the Agency and of any Governmental activities regardiese of party lines, he might not be the preper man to use a8 a cutout. . Please see that this item is placed on next week's Special Group ($412) agenda and that Mr. MeGene has formulated his views. — 5. Financial support for the Institute for Political Education in San Jose, Costa Rica, wae approved without comment. 6 The minutes of the 15 August meeting were approved and l informed them that the sidewinder migsile for the defensive armament for GROSBEAK aircraft had already been compromiced eo there wae no problem there, %7 The ealy discussion on the covert action program ts ftaty) for FY '64 was Mr, Bundy's comment that for the first time the President had not questioned the magnitude of the expenditures. 8. Mr. Cheever reported on the two approved sabotage eperations and Jehnsen questioned whether the leaving behind of equipment might be a form ef subversion, Gheever aasured him that lote of peeple leave behind equipment, particularly when they are getting shot at and he did not think there was a. security problem here. 9. The Group agreed that the Agency should prepare a memo or @ report as te what reactions as to type, magnitude, and timing we might expect from Castro as these sabotage operations continue. There was some thought that he might make seme covert moves to embarrass us in Guantanamo, perhaps in conection with our water gupply. Please have euch a memorandum prepared. 16. The meeting broke up in good erder.. Maroghall $.. Carter Lieutenant General, USA Acting Director Original - DCI 1 - DDCI * 1) peecadlie rector 1- ER 1 = DD/SsT <DD/P 1+ DD/I 1 - CA/SGO