THE RESCUE OF THE SS MAYAGUEZ AND ITS CREW

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-107-4-21-5
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: February 23, 2010
• Sequence Number: 21
• Publication Date: May 18, 1975
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/02/23: LOC-HAK-107-4-21-5
SECRET /XGDS
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 18, 1975
THE DIRECTOR. OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
SUBJECT: The Rescue of the SS Mayaguez and its Crew
In the aftermath of the operation to rescue the SS Mayaguez and its
crew, I consider it essential that we evaluate, as a means of insuring
the most effective possible performance in future crises, the manner
in which this operation was planned and conducted.
In order to facilitate this evaluation, I would like to receive, on a
priority basis,. the following:
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
(a) A detailed and comprehensive chronological exposition of
events and activities from the time of the seizure of the
SS Mayaguez through the completion of the evacuation of
Marines from Koh Tang Island, focussed on the activities
of the intelligence community.
(b) A copy of each instruction, verbal or written, issued by
you or in your name to other elements of the intelligence
community or to the field, from the time of the basic
planning decisions made at the National Security Council
meeting at 10:30 p.m. on May 13 through the evacuation
from Koh Tang Island.
(c) Any observations or suggestions which you consider would
contribute to improvement in the ability of the National
Security Council machinery to deal effectively with crisis
situations.
This evaluation should be conducted on a very close hold basis. The
material in (b) above should be submitted by noon, Tuesday, May 20,
and the remainder by close of business Friday, May 23. I have
SECRET /XGDS
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/02/23: LOC-HAK-107-4-21-5
 No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/02/23: LOC-HAK-107-4-21-5
SECRET/X GDS
requested similar submissions from the Secretary of State, the
Secretary of Defense, and the Assistant to the President for National
Security Affairs.
SECRET/XGDS
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/02/23: LOC-HAK-107-4-21-5