AIR OPERATIONS AGAINST NORTH VIETNAM (NVN) (U)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78S02149R000100050004-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 5, 2000
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: January 18, 1966
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2006/10/18: CIA-RDP78S02149R000100050004-0
TIEO.fOf fV;F FS U STAFF
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20301
JCS DECLASSIFY/ RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS ON FILE
JCSM-41-66
18 JAN 1966
MEMORANDUM FOR. THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Subject: Air Operations Against North Vietnam (NYN) (U)
1. (TS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff, in JCSM -16- 66, dated 8 January
1966, forwarded to you their recommendation to resume offensive air
operations against North Vietnam (NVN). They consider these opera-
tions a principal element of our strategy in Southeast Asia. This
memorandum provides their recommendations for the conduct of offensive
air operations when resumed.
2. (TS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff have reviewed the air strike program
against NVN, taking into account the recent views of CINCPAC. They
have concluded that restrained air strikes against the north, as conducted
thus far, will not achieve the primary military objective of causing the
Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV?to cease its support and direction
of the aggression in South Vietnam (SVN). The piecemeal nature of the
attacks against the DRV has permitted the enemy greater freedom to
replenish and disperse his stocks, redirect the flow of materials, and
improve his defenses. The geographic restrictions and limitation on the
number of armed reconnaissance sorties authorised have limited
effective interdiction of the extensive rail. highway, and Inland waterway
LOCs. Moreover, these restrictions and the requirement for *,Iwgle
coordinated attacks an specified targets have exposed our forces to greater
risks.
3. (TS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff consider that offensive air operations
against NVN should be resumed now with a sharp blow and thereafter
maintained with uninterrupted, increasing pressure. This course of
action.. as recommended in JCSM.-982-64, dated 23 November 1964, offers
1UP SECRET
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Approved For Release 2006/10/18: CIA-RDP78SO2149R000100050004-0
 Approved For Release 2006/10/18: CIA-RDP78S02149R000100050004-0
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against our military forces in SVN, is initiated. Further, the operational
commander must be furnished the authority to deal with the SAM threat,
as required to prevent interference with planned air operations.
7. (TS) Operations against additional target systems would be the
subject of separate authorizations as the air campaign develops.
8. (TS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff recognize the likelihood of adverse
international reaction in response to sharply intensified air strikes and
particularly to mining of the I)RV ports. However, they believe that
responsible Free World leadership will understand the necessity for these
actions. Recognized also is the possibility of Communist China's direct
entry into the war either through miscalculation or gradual escalation.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff believe that continued US restraint may serve
to increase rather than decrease the likelihood of such interventto*.by
encouraging gradual responses on the part of the Chinese Communists.
This is in addition to the probable interpretation of such restraint as
US vacillation by both the communist and Free World leadership.
9. (TS) The joint Chiefs of Staff, therefore, recommend that:
a. That authorized area for offensive air operations be expanded
to include all of NVN loss the area encompassed by a tan-mile radius
around Ranoi/Phuc Yen Airfield, a four-mile radius around
Haiphong, and a twenty-mile China buffer zone. Exceptions to permit
selected strikes within these restricted areas, in accordance with
the air campaign described herein., will be conducted only as
authorized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
b. Numerical sortie limitations on armed reconnaissance in
NYN be removed.
c. No tactical restrictions or limitations be imposed upon the
utlon of the specific air strikes.
4. The Joint Chiefs of Staff be authorized to direct CINCPAC to
conduct an air campaign against the ,URV as described herein. Upon
your approval of the above concept. a JCS directive of execution to
CINCPAC will be prepared and submitted to you separately for approval.
Fo r_ the Joint Chiefs -f4:
SIGNED
T0P $jT
EARLE G. WHEELER
Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff
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JCS4-.41-66 7 Feb 66
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