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

Document Type: 
Collection: 
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
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
April 9, 1971
Content Type: 
MF
File: 
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PDF icon CIA-RDP80R01720R000600110052-3.pdf106.16 KB
Body: 
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 oDv No 80R01720R000600 10b52- 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2004/12/02 : CIA-RDP80RO172OR000600110052-3 Approved For Release 2004/12/02 : CIA-RDP80RO172OR000600110052-3 Approved For Release 2004/12/02 : CIA-RDP80RO172OR000600110052-3 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