ALLEGATIONS OF 'INTELLIGENCE FAILURES' IN CONNECTION WITH LAM SON 719

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01720R000600110052-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 26, 2004
• Sequence Number: 52
• Publication Date: April 9, 1971
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Pease 2004/12/021? CI - DP8OR0172& 00600110052-3
C NTR AL N' Ei_UHGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505
9 APR 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR: Dr. Henry A. Kissinger
Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs
SUBJECT : Allegations of "Intelligence Failures"
in Connection with Lam Son 719
1. As I know you are aware, allegations are currently cropping
up in the press, and elsewhere, regarding purported "intelligence failures"
in connection with the Lam Son 719 operation. The Max Frankel by-lined
story beginning on the front page of the 30 March issue of the New York
Times is one example; Stewart Alsop's column in the 12 April edition
of Newsweek (actually issued on 6 April), another.
2. When the Frankel story appeared, I asked for a quick,
thorough review of at least the Agency's record in this matter. This
request led to the preparation of a detailed memorandum drafted for my
eyes only. The Lam Son matter and the stories of alleged shortfalls in
the intelligence community's performance, however, was the subject of
considerable discussion when I met with the President's Foreign
Intelligence Advisory Board on Friday, 2 April. To answer the detailed
questions of the Chairman and other Board members, I left with the
Board for its perusal the aforementioned 30 March study done by my
associates.
3. To be sure we are all operating from a common point of
departure, I am attaching hereto for your information the material loaned
to the President's Board, so that you will know exactly what information
was furnished to them.
Richard Helms
Director
Apprnxipd elease
I
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80R01720R000600 10b52-
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14W -V
C/VNO
GACarver, Jr.
9 Apr 71
Per our conversation, I am returning
the attached package which I would
appreciate your giving back to
The blue pencil comment is the
Director's. This data should, I think,
be kept available for use in illuminating
any further information that might come
to light via this or other channels.
George A. Carver, Jr.
Special Assistant for Vietnamese Affairs
Attachment
Blind Memo Draft from
Approved For Release 2004/12/02 : CIA-RDP80RO172OR000600110052-3
 --.approved For,JpLease201i4112L02-_CIA-RDPBOROI 72, $$00600110052-3
VIETNAMESE AFFAIRS STAFF
DATE: 5 April 1971
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Attached is the "Reactions" memo
as it was sent to Commander Howe for
relay to General Haig 2 April 1971
(Friday). Pending your instructions,
I have made no further distribution.
George A. Carver, Jr.
Special Assistant for Vietnamese Affairs
Approved For Release 2004/12/02 : CIA-RDP80RO172OR000600110052-3