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MEMORANDUM FORj3tb
SUBJECT: Minutes of tho Meeting ofommittee, IS6
PRESENT: Mr. Rostow, Ambassador Johnson, Mr. Vance, and Mr. Helms Dr. Albert Wheelon. Colonel Paul N. Bacalis, and
also prcse
Reconnaissance of Cuba
the proposal to exercise the capability of OXCARTthe committee emerged with attitudes more negative thanwas agreed that Mr. Vance wouldtatement giving thethe Secretary of Defense and Ambassador Johnson would obtain theSecretary Rusk. It was emphasised that both Secretaries, when
polled earlier, had not been noticeably negative to the proposal. The Executive Secretary wouldummary for higher authority.
Vance asked for an estimate of possible compromise toby use of the system over Cuba. Dr. Wheelon felt that use ofCubs would give an indication of altitude, speed and perhaps Radar tracking could provide some cross sections leadingof tho vehicle and, depending on which jamming systemssome indication of jamming capabilities.
Johnson observed that if the Cubans do notSA-2's, tho proof of capability might not be determined. Hehow desirable higher resolution photography was at thia time fortarget. Mr. Helms replied that this was hard to determineJohnson also surmised that by exposing the equipment in this theatre
our capability might be decreased by the ensuing knowledge in the hands of an
enemy.
the question of how the Soviets might Interpret thisthe Caribbean, Mr. Rostow believed that it would hardly be considered
a decisive signal, Mr. Rostow, in examining certain possiblo results, such as alerting the North Vietnameseew system, put the problem in the context of "is this trip necessary?"
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System
Wheelon felt that certain advantages would accruesemloperational. The reliability of the equipment couldin realistic terms, Routine exercise of the systom wouldSoviets on notice as to our Increased capability.
Johnson reiterated that he felt slightly unsasy about
using OXCART unless an overriding requirement could be presented. Mr. Rostow felt that introduction of OXCART over Cuba might induce the Soviets also to introduce more sophisticated equipment. The conclusion seemed to be that producing ripples in tho existing calm was not desirable. Mr. Vance concluded that he would prefer not to give up our surprise element at this time.
(signed)
Distribution
Ambassador Johnson Mr. Vance Mr. Helms
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