February 26, 1969

Mrs. Gertrude Manley
Registrar
John Fitzgerald Kennedy School of Government
Littauer Center
Harvard University

Dear Mrs. Manley:

Following is the report of Professor Kissinger's seminar (Government 259).

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY

Professor Kissinger

This year the seminar met only during the fall and it continued to focus on the process and substance of American military planning. The program comprised weekly plenary sessions, often addressed by guest speakers from government or from academic research organizations, and smaller section meetings at which students discussed their particular research topics.

The seminar themes for the fall term included strategic doctrine, Defense Department organization, the roles of other branches of the government in the formulation of defense policy, and current issues in national security policy. Sections were structured on the topics of Intelligence organization, strategic doctrines, and the theory and practice of policy decision making.

There were 39 students officially enrolled in the course, including 18 from the Law School. In addition there were approximately 50 regular auditors.

June 28, 1968

MEMORANDUM

To: Tracy Strong

From: Elizabeth Jones

Perhaps George has already discussed with you the Government 259 syllabus for next year. If you have not yet written one, you should do so soon. Enclosed is a copy of last year's reading list, it probably doesn't need too much revision. I have already received a book order form, which I should fill out and send to the Coop ~~so that the books will be there~~ when the students want them. I will do this as soon as I receive from you a copy of the new syllabus. Also, if there are any books which you or the other section leaders want as desk copies, let me know.

As I see it, as of July 1 there is no secretary for Government 259. I will be at the Center next year, but will have another full-time job. This summer I will be studying half time and so will be swamped with work; may be able to help a little bit though. It would be best if you could find someone to replace me soon. Perhaps you could speak to Sally Cox, or Phoebe Lambert, for suggestions on who to hire. A lot of the secretarial work falls in late August - I will be on vacation - so you should definitely hire someone by then. I will be glad to show her just what she should do for the course (and you too, in case George didn't brief you on when letters should be sent out to potential speakers, etc.)

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY

Professor Kissinger

The seminar this year continued to focus on the
process and substance of American military planning.
The program comprised weekly plenary sessions, often
addressed by guest speakers from Government or from
academic research organizations, and smaller section
meetings at which students discussed their particular
research topics. Sections this year were structured
on the topics of arms control, strategic intelligence,
and the U.S. defense policy making process.

The seminar themes for the fall term included strategic
doctrine, Department of Defense Organization, and the
roles of Congress and public opinion in the making of
national security policy; substantive topics for the
spring term were strategic balance and the ABM, alliance
policy and the Non-proliferation Treaty, and the
war in Vietnam.

There were fifty enrolled members in the seminar,
including twenty from the Law School.

6 Divinity Ave.

June 26, 1968

MEMORANDUM

To: Tracy Strong

From: Elizabeth Jones

Since you are taking over George Quester's job of running the National Security Policy Seminar, I am enclosing an application and letter of recommendation for Lt. John R. Brandon, USN. He is leaving for a two month cruise on July 2, so perhaps you could let me know by then whether he is accepted, so I might pass the word on to him.

P.S. Could you return the application for my files?

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
National Security Policy Seminar (Gov. 259) 1968-69
APPLICATION FORM

Because we have more applicants than can be accepted, you are asked to fill out the following application form to help us select the most qualified seminar members. Admission will be based upon academic background, experience, and interest.

Applicants are herewith advised of the following course requirements, which apply to all students registering for the course: extensive readings, a research paper, and a three-hour mid-year examination, as well as participation in the weekly Seminar and in bi-weekly meetings of a Seminar sub-group.

1. Name **BRANDON** (Last) **John** (First) **Raymond** (Middle)

2. Local address and telephone number
Naval Science Department, 25 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02130, Telephone: 617-670-9600, Extension 2767

3. Permanent address # 58 Anson Road, Concord, Mass. 02138

4. Academic status in 1967-68 (School or department and class)
Assistant Professor of Naval Science (while attached to Naval ROTC Unit, Harvard)

5. Anticipated Academic status in 1968-69 Special Student

6. Academic degrees (college, year, honors, if any)
University of Oklahoma - 1960 - AB
The American University School of International Services - 1966 - MA

7. Major subject (s) Soviet Area Studies, Government, & International Relations

8. Prior experience related to National Security (including previous related courses and service and rank, or civilian activity related to military affairs)
See section 11 for brief summary of military history of applicant

9. Particular field of military policy in which you are interested.
The relations between military and civilian leaders in planning and executing effective military policy

- 2 -

10. Possible topic on which you might write the research paper required by the Seminar

The tangible effects of the departure of Mr. McNamara on military policy

11. This space may be used to bring to our attention anything else which you consider relevant.

The following comprises a list of the tours of duty I have had while in the Navy:

1960-62 USS Shangri-La (CVA 38) - Assistant Navigator

1963 USS Dyess (DDR 880) - Operations Officer

1964-65 Commander Destroyer Division FOUR TWO - Chief Staff Officer & Operations Off.

1966 MA degree program at the School of International Services at The American Univ.

1967 Officer-in-Charge, Military Sea Transport UNIT, Nha Trang Vietnam

1968 Assistant Professor of Naval Science, Harvard University

12. Applicants signature

PLEASE RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO: Mr. George Quester, Room 119, 10 Divinity Avenue (ROTC Building).

Dear Mr. Quester:

HARVARD UNIVERSITY NAVAL R. O. T. C. UNIT

25 FRANCIS AVENUE, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. 02138

IN REPLY REFER TO:

19 June 1968

Mr. George Quester
Room 119, 10 Divinity Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Dear Mr. Quester:

I am sending this letter to you by way of personal intro-
duction and as a written request for permission to enroll
in Government 259 during the Autumn of 1968.

I was graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1960,
receiving a BA degree with a major in Soviet Area Studies
and a minor in government. Upon graduation, I was com-
missioned an Ensign in the U. S. Navy and subsequently,
served in aircraft carriers and destroyers prior to being
selected in 1965 by the Navy for its post-graduation edu-
cation program. Under the Navy's auspices, I entered the
MA degree program at the School of International Services
at The American University in Washington, D. C. After
completing this program and receiving the degree in 1966, I
was sent to South Vietnam where I was the Officer-in-Charge
of the Military Sea Transport Service Unit at the small port
of Nha Trang. In the Summer of 1967, I was transferred to my
present assignment at the Naval Science Department here at
Harvard where I teach the courses in navigation and naval
operations.

Contingent on your approval, I would like to enroll in
Government 259 for credit as a Special Student in order to
continue my education in preparation for an eventual return
to a degree program sponsored by the Navy.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Dear

Once again I would like to invite you to come up to Cambridge to talk to a session of the Harvard Defense Policy Seminar. As in past years, the Seminar comprises a body of students from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Law School and the School of Public Administration seriously interested in military policy and administration, who would benefit significantly from an opportunity to hear your views.

One of the most important parts of the program is to invite a number of distinguished individuals to talk about their special field. As we will be discussing at that time, would be our ideal date for your visit, but and would be alternative dates almost equally desirable from our point of view. The seminar meets from 4:10 to 6 p.m., with the speaker normally taking the first 45 minutes to an hour, and then leaving himself open to questions for the remaining time. The Seminar has funds to reimburse you for your travel expenses.

I do hope you can come.

Dear

I once again would like to invite you up to Cambridge to talk to a session of the Harvard Defense Policy Seminar. As in past years, the Seminar comprises a body of students seriously interested in military policy and administration, from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Law School and the Kennedy School of Government.

One of the most important parts of the program is to invite distinguished individuals to talk about their special field. As we will be discussing ( ), at that time, Monday, ( ) would be our ideal date for your visit, but we can suggest an alternative date if this is too inconvenient. The Seminar meets from 4:10 to 6 P.M., with the speaker normally taking the first hour, and then leaving himself open to questions for the remaining time. Our proceedings are always off the record, and you should feel free therefore to discuss the issues as informally and openly as you see fit. The Seminar has funds to reimburse you for your travel expenses.

I do hope you can come.

HK:ej