B-52 STRIKES IN LAOS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-510-8-24-0
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: May 3, 2011
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: February 19, 1970
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/05/03: LOC-HAK-510-8-24-0
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THE WHITE HOUSE A
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ON L; I -a -
TOP SECRET/EYES ONLY February 19, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM: Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: B-52 Strikes in Laos
V./
We have received additional information on the results of the
B-52 strikes in the Plain of Jars.(Tab A).
Low-level visual reconnaissance of the target area indicates
extensive destruction. The few bunkers uncovered by the
blast could indicate that the enemy was unprepared for a
strike of such magnitude.
Three six-man teams inserted in the area report "many, many
enemy dead. 1' The teams are still in the area and I will report
further information as it becomes available.
-1 ,.
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS
APPLY
TOP SECRET/EYES ONLY
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/05/03: LOC-HAK-510-8-24-0
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/05/03: LOC-HAK-510-8-24-0
TOP SECRET/EYES ONLY February 19, 1970
FROM: Vientiane (Ambassador Godley)
TO: Department of Defense
SUBJECT: Arclight Eastern PDJ Area
1I (continued low level visual reconnaissance of 25X1
target area indicates extensive destruction in target core. A
few gaps in coverage occurred on the perimeter of the target.
A few bunkers and spider holes were uncovered by the blast
but were not extensive, possibly indicating enemy was unpre-
pared for strike of such magnitude. One area was covered
with considerable debris indicating supplies had been struck.
Since the strike there has been little trail activity observed
in target area. The most extensive activity has occurred along
the stream bed.
2. Three six-man BDA teams were inserted in the area.
Twenty enemy bodies were counted near infiltration point
alone. Air to ground contact with teams indicates that they
were subjected to enemy pressure as soon as they fanned out
from infiltration point, They report "many, many enemy dead".
They are encountering difficulty counting KTA because some are
buried and many fragmented, Teams report shortage potable
water due to contamination by cadavers. Teams are attempting
to take photographs. Further information will be furnished as
available.
TOP SECRET/EYES ONLY
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/05/03: LOC-HAK-510-8-24-0