DECLASSIFICATION OF NSDM #144

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M00165A002000130012-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 26, 2004
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: May 19, 1977
• Content Type: MEMO

77026
Approved For Ruse 2004/03/15: CIA-RDP80M00165A1000130012-6
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, 67.6. 20506
May 19, 19'7'7
TO: The Recipients of NSDI\4 7`144
SUBJECT: Declassification of NSDM 7'I144
National Security Decision Memorandum #144 of December 22,
1971 titled "United States Arctic Policy and Arctic Policy
Group" was declassified oii May 18, 1977. Please mark
your document accordingly.
Michael lioraoblow
Acting Staff Secretary
Approved-For Release 2004/03/15 : CIA-RDP80MOO165AO02000130012-6
 Approved For Rase 2004/03/15: CIA-RDP80M00165A$1000-130012-6
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WASHINGTON. L7. C. 20506
December 7Z, 1971
National Security Decision lviexnoranclun-i 144
TO: The Secretary of State
The Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Interior
The Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Transportation
The Director, National Science li'oiuldation
The Chairman, Council on Environmental. Quality
SUBJECT: United States Arctic Policy and Arctic Policy Group
The President has reviewed the NTSC Under Secretaries Committee's
recornn)enda.ti.ons, conclusions and report regarding United States Arctic
policy and organizational arrangements for its implementation, as for-
warded by Under Secretary Irwin on .August 9, 1971.
The President has decided that the United States will support the sound
and rational development of the Arctic, guided by the principle of mini-
mizing any adverse effects to the environment; will promote mutually
beneficial international cooperation in the Arctic; and. will at the same
time provide for the protection of essential security interests in the
Arctic, including preservation of the principle of freedom of the seas and
superjacent airspace.
In furtherance of this policy, the President has:
Directed that the NTSC Under Secretaries Committee review and
forward detailed action programs, including plans and specific
projects (with budgetary implications as appropriate), for increas-
ing mutually beneficial cooperation with Arctic and other countries
in areas such as exploration, scientific research, resource develop-
ment and the exchange of scientific and technical data; for improving
the US capability to inhabit and operate in the Arctic and the under-
standing of the Arctic environment: and for developing a framework
for international. cooperation with particular attention given the
Northlands Compact approach. (These action programs should be
forwarded for the President' s consideration not later than March 1,
1972, )
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Directed that an Interagency Arctic Policy Group be established,
chaired by the Department of State and including the Departments
of Defense, Interior, Commerce and Transportation, the National
Science Foundation, the Council on Environmental Quality and
representatives of other agencies as appropriate. (The Depart
nient of State is responsible for providing the administrative
support, including staff, necessary to enable the Arctic Policy Group
to carry out its responsibilities. )
The Interagency Arctic Policy Group will be responsible for over-
seeing the implementation of U. S. Arctic policy and reviewing and
coo" dinating U. S. activities and programs in the Arctic, with the
exception of purely domestic Arctic-related matters internal to
Alaska. In discharging these responsibilities, the Arctic Policy
Group will report to and coordinate with the NSC Under Secretaries
Committee. Any substantive policy issues requiring the President's
decision will be referred to the NSC Senior Review Group for
consideration?
Approved the development of a coordinated plan for scientific research
in and on the Arctic, including possible cooperative projects with
Arctic and.other countries, and the investigation a.tion of the feasibility of
developing a comprehensive transportation system capable of meeting
U. S. requirements in the Arctic, with appropriate recommendations
to be made to the Arctic Policy Group.
There should be no public statements concerning U. S. Arctic policy and the
other decisions set forth herein pending the President's review of the action
programs requested above.
Henry A. Kissinger
cc: Secretary, Health Education and Welfare
Director of Central Intelligence
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Director, Office of Management and Budget
President's Science Advisor
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