AIR SUPPORT FOR LAOS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-29-1-17-0
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: February 12, 2010
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: November 28, 1972
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/12: LOC-HAK-29-1-17-0
7936
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
- ft;Kil- t~;/AOL
INFORMATION
SECRET November 28, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR, MR. KISSINGER
FROM: RICHARD T. KENNEDY
SUBJECT: Air Support for Laos
On November 18 you asked Secretary Laird to evaluate whether our F.4
and A-7 aircraft now available in SEA can properly perform the helicopter
escort, and low ceiling, poor visibility close air support roles previously
filled by the A..1 (Tab B). All the Awls have been transferred to the
VNAF.
Admiral Murphy has replied (Tab A) that the A-7 has assumed the
missions formerly assigned to the A-1 and that initial operational. experi-
ence in these roles has been quite satisfactory. The A-7 is programmed
to remain in Thailand for the foreseeable future.
I believe this adequately answers your memorandum and completes action
on this item.
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS
APPLY
John Holdridge concurs.
SECRET
DECLAS:12-31-80
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/12 : LOC-HAK-29-1-17-0
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/12: LOC-HAK-29-1-17-0
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
24 Nov 1911
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. RICHARD T. KENNEDYp NATIONAL
CURITY COUNCIL STAFF
SUBJECT: Air Support for Laos
Your memorandum of 18 November 1972, subject as above, has been
reviewed, and the following Information is forwarded in response.
role, initial reports are quite encouraging. For i astance, a memo-
The US Air Force A-7 aircraft presently deployed at prat RTAFB,
Thailand, have assumed the missions formerly assigned to the A- Is
which have been transferred to VNAF. Although we are still accumu-
lating experience relative to the use of A-7s in the helicopter escort
The A-7D is an effective helicopter escort aircraft and is currently
being used in this role in Laos. The aircraft is pre' rammed to
remain. in Thailand for the foreseeable future.
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/12: LOC-HAK-29-1-17-0
 No Objection to Declassification Part 2(010/02/12: LOC-HAK-29-1-17-0
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
w
November 18, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
SUBJECT: Air Support for Laos
The President has noted that as part of the effort to improve Viet-
namese forces the A-1 aircraft previously stationed in Thailand
and devoted 1ieavily to support of Laos have been transferred to
the VNAF. He wishes to be certain that we are able to continue
to provide the helicopter escart and low ceiling, poor visibility
close air support functions in Laos previously fulfilled by the
A-1s.
He would appreciate your considering whether these roles can be
properly performed by the high performance F-4 and A-7 aircraft
currently available. In view of the precarious military situation
in Laos, the critical importance of adequate and appropriate U. S.
air support, and the approach of the dry season -- historically
the time of highest enemy activity in Laos -- the President would
appreciate your recommendations as a matter of urgency.
SECRET
DECJAS:12-31-80
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/12: LOC-HAK-29-1-17-0