WITHDRAWAL OF COVERT ASSETS PREVIOUSLY USED IN NVN OPERATIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-449-1-28-2
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: October 25, 2011
• Sequence Number: 28
• Publication Date: December 24, 1970
• Content Type: MEMO

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THE SECRETARY OF pEFENSE
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS
APPLY
25X1
SUE3JECT: Withdrawal of Covert Assets Previously Used in NVN Operations
MEMORANOUhI FOR THE ASSISTANT TO TWE PRESIbENT FOR NATIONAL~~SECURITY AFFAIR S
"covert operations targeted against North Vietnam.
twined in a memorandum from the Secretary of Defense, dated 12 November
.1970, as well as a status report on specific operational plans for bOD
above, in which you requested amplification of certain statements con-~
Reference is made to your memorandum of 23 November 197x, sub,j~c~`a~
The following sub-paragraphs are keyed to your request:
funds,. and allow closure of the U5 Navy PTF repair facility at. Subic
Rw in the Philinninac
status will provide an estimated $110,000 savings in MACSOG funding for
., Vietnamese boat crews,. an estimated $1.5 million in U5 Navy operating
a, Placing .the seven patrol torpedo fast (PTF) boats presently
assigned to the MACV Studies and Observations Group (MACSOG) in reserve
n the Philippines. Although. these boats could be returned to Vietnam
? ithin thirty days. the PTF boat crews and maintenance personnel experienced
b. Current planning calls for placing these seven pTFs in dry storage
in these operations will have teen last to other Vietnamese Navy tasks.
If retrievable, they would require refresher training prior to resumption
of PTF operations. Training of new crews and maintenance personnel would
.require at .least ten,adc~,itional weeks. Intelligence and PfVN coastal tar-
geting information would`require updating. Additionally, the PTF facil-
ities at 1)anang, RVN, would undoubtedly have been put to other use.
'.Gross-beach teams will, however, be available.
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/10/25 : LOC-HAK-449-1-28-2
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/10/25 : LOC-HAK-449-1-28-2
c, As to the limited capability of the other VNN craft, the Patrol
Craft Fast (PC F) could be used in lieu of the PTF. The PCF has a 650
mile range, a tvp speed of approximately 28 knots and is armed with
one $)rnm mortar and three 50 cal, machine guns. PGF aperations would
be limited to the area below 18 degrees, 30 minutes North (vicinity of
Vitth, NVN). The PTF on the other hand can operate as far north as 2A
"degrees, 3Q minutes North (vicinity of Haiphong)., has a range of l,Qp0
miles anti a top speed of approximately 40 .knots. PTF armament includes
one $lmm mortar, one 4Umm gun and one 50 cal. machine gun. Additionally,
there are mounts for two 20mm guns. PTF speed and armament, therefore,
,provide a higher survivability factor in hostile waters.
As the PC Fs wilt continue to afford us the means to mount covert
operations along the NVN coast up to the Vinh area, I continue to believe
that we should proceed immediately to place the patrol torpedo fast boats
in reserve status in WESTPAC." ~:
In regard to the status of the two or three specific operational plans you
,requested far DQp covert aperations targeted against North Vietnam, CINCPAC
is currently developing such plans.
If, after review, these plans appear feasible and beneficial, I will far-
ward them. far consideration.
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/10/25 : LOC-HAK-449-1-28-2
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