MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPECIAL GROUP (CI)2:30 P.M., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1963

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R001900150013-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 31, 2014
• Sequence Number: 13
• Publication Date: October 17, 1963
• Content Type: MFR

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1
MEMORANDUM FOR. THE RECORD
October 17, 1963
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Meeting of the Special Group (CI)
2:30 p.m., Thursday, October 17, 1963
PRESENT: Mt. Johnson vice Governor Harriman, Mr, Bell, Mr. McCone, MV.
Forrestal, Mt. Wilson vice Mt. Murray, Mr. Bundy vice Mr.
Gilpatric, General Krulak vice General Taylor, Mr, Nolan ViCP
The Attorney General
Mrs. Bracken was present for Item No. 1.
Ambassador Young and Mr. Hannah were present for Item 2.a,
Mt. Kattenburg was present for Item No. 3.
Mr. Maechling was present for the Meeting.
1. on the Internal Defense Plan for Iran
Mts. Bracken, Director, Office of Greek, Turkish and Iranian Affairs,
Department of State, reviewed for the Group the quarterly report and
commented that progress is being made in programs related to internal
security. This report and later developments indicate 4 more favorable
situation in Iran than previously reported to the Group. The recent parlie-
mentary elections were peacefully conducted. Although lend distribution has
slowed down, it has not stopped. Progress is being made to resolve problems
In the economic area and steps are being taken to stimulate the economy. As
no clearly identifiable threat to internal security exists, it in believed
that the insurgency threat in Iran is now more in the latent rather then
incipient stage.
Mt. Johnson observed that during hie recent trip to Iran, he was cone
cerned over the heavy reliance placed on the Shah.
Mt. Bundy stated that although this report indicates favorable proerees,
we should recognize that problems still existioas much remains to be done in
programs to increase the effectiveness of both police and military forces,
Mr. Bell added that although the insurgency threat could be called latent,
it remains explosive.
Mt. Bell reported that he is discussing independently, with State, the
advisability of sending a team to Iran to assess the land reform program.
In eommenting on police programs, he said that the question of supporting
the "Commando Brigade" of the National Police has not been resolved as the
status of this request from the Government of Iran Is still not clear.
Mr. Bell questioned the accuracy of the reference made in the State
memorandum on the status of the outstanding loan application for the Iranian
portion of the CENTO-Turkey-Iran rail link. He stated that this is a come
plicated issue, including legal ramifications, and is still under review by
both DOD and AID.
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2.
The Group approved the Country Team's quarterly progress report for
planning purposes as qualified by the State memorandum.
2.a. Evegrese Report on the Internal Defense Plan for Thailand
Ambassador Young, in commenting on the situation in Thailand, stated
that he believes that we are on the right track and that the major future
problem facing the U.S. is the question of a successor to Prime Minister
Sent. The Internal Security Plan has been of great assistance to the
Country Team in Thailand and the Group's interest in this program has been
appreciated. No major issues exist that require special attention It thin
time.
Mt. Johnson suggested that now is the time to promulgate a Constitution
for Thailand and include in it the mechanism for an orderly succession In
the Government. A Constitutional Assembly now exists to draft this document,
but progress in this effort is very slow.
Ambassador Young commented that the real danger in Thailand is subversion
from the outside. Mr. Johnson stated that certain high level members of
the Government have not yet focused on internal security problems and still
place primary emphasis on conventional arms to counter external threats.
Mt. Bundy stated that owing to a general reduction in MAP funds, a
heavy cut will probably be made in the Thai program, principally in con-
ventional arms, but counterinsurgency projects also will be affected. Mr.
Johnson added that based on his conversation with Thai officials, they aro
aware that a cut is inevitable; however, they are concerned over its impact
on Thai military capabilities.
Following a general discussion of the problems that will have to be
resolved in determining priorities in allocating the reduced funds available
for the Military Assistance Program, Mr. Bell stated that folloeine the
normal review process, this matter will be brought to the attention of the
President. Ambassador Young commented that a heavy cut in MAP funds for
Thailand would have a considerable effect on the counterinsurgency projects
as most of them are based on a two-year program.
Mr. Hannah informed the Group that a message had been dispatched today
to the Country Team in response to its request for expanded That military
civic action in support of rural development. He stated that a U.S. technie
cian from Viet-Nam will be in Thailand in October to survey the Nationel
Registration Program, to recommend improvements, and to assess tho scope
of possible U.S. assistance.
The Group noted the progress report.
2.b, Summar Status Re ort from Viet-Nam Au st and Septemkge
The Group noted the status report submitted for this Item.
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3.
The Group was informed of specific measures that have been instituted
to improve reporting from Viet-Nam. Additional measures to be taken Are
also being considered by the respoesible agencies.
Mr. Wilson brought to the Group's attention recent developments that
could affect USIS operations in Viet-Nam.
3. Follow-up Report on the Status of Pmklic Safety.IstyltatILL2IJAULtan
Mr. Bell commented that, as indicated in the AID memorandum submitted
for this item, action is being taken to fill these vacancies.
Miscellaneous
A. The question of reviewing countries on the critical list wae dig
-
cussed by the Group during consideration of Agenda Item 1. The Group agreed
that, at a future meeting, it would again consider the criteria for placing
countries on the list, and the reporting requirements placed on the Country
Team.
B. The Group agreed with Mt. McConele recommendation that General
Taylor's memorandum on "U.S. Support of Foreign Paramilitary Forcenu be
referred to Another committee for action, Mr, Forrestal and Mx. Bell stated
that such a review was long overdue.
C. The Group agreed with the Chairman's suggestion that the meetings
scheduled for 24 October and 31 October be cancelled du to the JCS
Counterinsurgency Game that will be conducted during that period.
General Krulak stated that the Joint Staff is prepared to brief
members of the Group on the Game and they should contact his office if 4
briefing is desired.
D. The Interagency Working Group report on Venezuelan Terrorism waa
not discussed.
E. The members expressed their concern that papers for the Group's
meetings were being distributed too late to permit proper staffing, All
agencies were requested to see what can be done to rectify this situation.
I{
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James W. Dingeman
Executive Secretery
Special Group (CI)
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