MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL GROUP (CI) MEETING 2 P.M.,THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1963

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R001900150092-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 22, 2003
• Sequence Number: 92
• Publication Date: January 4, 1963
• Content Type: MFR

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S E C R E T
January 4, 1963
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Special Group (CI) Meeting
2 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 1963
PRESENT: Mr. Johnson, the Attorney General, Mr. Gilpatric, Mr. McCone,
Mr. Murrow, Mr. Coffin, Mr. Dungan, General Krulak vice
General Taylor
NSC REVIEW Mr. Martin was present for Items 1 and 2.
COMPLETED,
6/26/2003 Miss Wienert was present for Item 3.
1. Review by Mr. Martin of Potential Trouble Spots in Latin America
Mr. Martin gave an oral presentation on the potential trouble spots
in Latin America which may flare up during 1963. In summary review he
described several countries as moving into a period of increasing ten-
sions, as they approach election periods, and diverse interests begin
jockeying for power. He noted in particular that the U.S. will be faced
with the problem of deciding what to do about the Duvalier regime in
? Haiti, about the Communist threat developing in Peru, and the Arevalo
problem in Guatemala. Mr. Martin described the Dominican Republic as
faced with a critical period between now and the February 27 inauguration
of the President-elect. Costa Rica, which has been considered by the
Embassy to be threatened by Castro/Communist insurgents, appears to be
out of danger at this time, owing to recent security measures taken by
the Government of"Costa Rica. Brazil is beginning to show signs that
President Goulart may now be prepared to take certain steps toward improv-
ing the economic and political situation. The Arosemena problem in
Ecuador appears to have quieted for the time being, although Mr. Martin
warned that this probably will flare up again, and may lead to a change
in the presidency this year. In Argentina the economic situation is
improving, but little progress has been made in overcoming the political
problems posed by the estrangement of the Peronistas from the government.
Mr. Martin warned that the Communist parties in Latin America will
probably follow a tougher line, and will increasingly attempt to resort
to violence as they fail to achieve progress toward their objectives
through propaganda and non-violent efforts. On the other hand, the general
situation throughout Latin America appears to be somewhat better than last
year. However, he noted that progress creates new problems which will
have to be solved in turn.
Mr. Dungan observed that current MAP programs reflect a continuing
large expenditure of funds for traditional types of military assistance,
? rather than for the desired emphasis on internal security. He pointed
out that such assistance is still being used for naval vessels, advanced
S E C R E T
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S E C R E T
. 2.
electronic equipment, and modern aircraft. It was noted that NSAM 206
has directed the departments and agencies to review this whole subject
with the intention of giving added emphasis to internal security.
Mr. Murrow requested information on those countries where model
civic action programs are being carried out, which could be used by
USIA in information programs. General Krulak indicated that in Colombia
and Ecuador there are effective civic action programs underway. He will
arrange to supply Mr. Murrow with additional information.
The Attorney General said that, during his recent visit to Fort
Gulick, he was concerned to find that of the 435 Latin American students
who have taken courses, only 17 have taken the counterinsurgency course.
This illustrated to him that we are not giving sufficient emphasis in
Latin America to counterinsurgency training...He requested that the mili-
tary school programs in Panama be reviewed to insure that adequate
emphasis is given to counterinsurgency training, and that greater numbers
of Latin American students are brought into this training program.
General Krulak will review the situation and submit a report.
2. Internal Defense Plan for Venezuela
? The Chairman reviewed the six recommendations contained in the
Ambassador's airgram, which transmitted the internal defense plan, and
indicated the position of the Latin American Policy Committee on each.
In approving the plan for planning purposes, it was agreed that Venezuela
should remain under the Group's cognizance.
25X1
NSC
3. Progress Report on the Proposed Medical Aid Programs for Laos and
Thailand
The Group noted AID's progress report, which described the latter's
support to the dispensaries established earlier in Laos by the U. S.
White Star Teams 0 AID has arranged for the resupply of medical
items, and a training program. In Thailand, AID is assisting in the
development of a medical school at Chiengmai. No information was avail-
able on the status of General Lemnitzer's proposal of July 3, 1962, for
the establishment of a non-professional medical school in Thailand, to
train village volunteers from Thailand and Laos in simple first aid and
medical procedures. Mr. Johnson will determine the status of this pro-
posal, and will also arrange for the preparation of a summary report on an
outstanding proposal to establish or augment medical activities of police,
paramilitary, and military forces in underdeveloped countries. The Chair-
man observed that such an activity would be a natural adjunct to the
responsibilities of the provincial police in Thailand.
Miscellaneous
? A. Mr. Murrow informed the members that USIA is faced with the
problem of a possible Communist takeover of public information facilities
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S.E C R E T It
in Vientiane, and noted that the Soviets now have an agreement with the
Lab Government to set up a 50 KW radio. The Lao Minister of Information,
a Communist, apparently intends to take over the Lao Photo News, a weekly
newspaper supported by USIA.
B. In response to an inquiry from the Attorney General, the
Chairman confirmed that the Group does not now have responsibility for
programs in Laos. (The minutes of the meeting of May 17, 1962, relate
to this subject.)
C. Following a statement by the Attorney General concerning the role
of the Special Group (CI), a general discussion ensued relating to the
Group's responsibilities, and as to whether or not they should be amended.
The Attorney General emphasized that the President looks upon the Group as
having wider responsibilities than the members seem to interpret them to
be. He suggested that the members give consideration to what the Group
should now be doing. Mr. Johnson said that in his opinion the terms of
reference under NSAM 124 include the development and subsequent monitor-
ing of such activities as police support, doctrine, training, and internal
defense plans. The Group's role at present is to maintain momentum on the
? implementation of these activities, and to resolve interdepartmental pro-
blems as they may arise. The Attorney General commented that, although
these have been our terms of reference, he feels the monitoring of pro-
grams is is too restrictive, and that the members should give thought to
:redefining the Group's responsibilities.
D. A proposed revision of the second sentence of the third item in
the minutes of December 20, 1962 was approved. It should now read as
follows;
"It was noted that CIA is turning over to Defense a large overt,
paramilitary program, in accordance with NSAM 57 and NSAM 162."
E. The Group noted a JCS paper entitled, "Joint Counterinsurgency
Concept and Doctrinal Guidance". The paper, dated November 20, 1962, is
the JCS response to NSAM 182, which directed each department and agency
to prepare its own departmental doctrine for counterinsurgency.
Thomas W. Davis, Jr.
Executive Secretary
?
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