I wish to inform the Joint Chiefs of Staff as follows with regard

to my views of their relations to me in Cold War Operations:

a. I regard the Joint Chiefs of Staff as my principal military

advisor responsible both for initiating advice to me and for res-

ponding to requests for advice. I expect their advice to come to

me direct and unfiltered.

b. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have a responsibility for the defense

of the nation in the Cold War similar to that which they have in con-

ventional hostilities. They should know the military and paramilitary

forces and resources available to the Department of Defense, verify their

readiness, report on their accuracy, and make appropriate recommen-

dations for their expansion and improvement. I look to the Chiefs to

contribute dynamic and imaginative leadership in contributing to the

success of the military and paramilitary aspects of Cold War programs.

c. I expect the Joint Chiefs of Staff to present the military view-

point in governmental councils in such a way as to assure that the

military factors are clearly understood before decisions are reached.

When only the Chairman or a single Chief is present, that officer

must represent the Chiefs as a body, taking such preliminary and

subsequent actions as may be necessary to assure that he does in

fact represent the corporate judgement of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.























- 2 -