THE RESCUE OF THE SS MAYAGUEZ AND ITS CREW

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83M00171R001800150008-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 44
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 10, 2012
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: May 23, 1975
• Content Type: MF

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ru ' bM. 1
THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20505
23 May 1975
SUBJECT: The Rescue of the S.S. Mayaguez and Its Crew
1. In your memorandum of 18 May, you levied three
requests for data or comments on matters relating to the
rescue of the S.S. Mayaguez and its crew. The response
to one of your requests was sent to you on 20 May
2. Attached is the response to one of the other
two requests -- a chronological exposition by Agency of
the events and activities involving the Intelligence Com-
munity during the Mayaguez affair. I am also sending
you today, under separate cover, the response to the
third request -- suggestions for improvements in the
national crisis machinery prompted by the Mayaguez in-
cident.
Attachment
28
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TOP SECRET I 25X1
CIA
Central Intelligence Agency
CINCPAC
Commander-in-Chief, Pacific
CINCPACFLT
Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet
CINCSAC
Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Air Command
CJCS
Chief, Joint Chiefs of Staff
COMNAVSECGRU
Commander, Naval Security Group
COMPASS LINK
Electronic Transmission System for Photography
COMSEVFLT
Commander, Seventh Fleet
CSG
Cryptologic Support Group
CTG
Commander, Task Group
DCI
Director of Central Intelligence
DDO/CIA
Deputy Director of Operations, CIA
DDO/NSA
Deputy Director for Operations, National Security Agency
DDO/State
Deputy Director of Operations (Officer-in-Charge of State
Operations Center)
DEFCON
Defense Condition
DF
Direction Finding, Radio Direction Finding
DIA
Defense Intelligence Agency
DOD
Department of Defense
EA
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State
ELINT
Electronic Intelligence
FBIS
Foreign Broadcast Information Service
INR
Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State
INR/CIS.
Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Central Intelligence Staff
IPAC
Intelligence Center, Pacific
IPIR
Initial Photographic Intelligence Report
JCS
Joint Chiefs of Staff
JRC
Joint Reconnaissance Center
KC
Khmer Communists
NIB
National Intelligence Bulletin
NID
National Intelligence Digest
NIO
National Intelligence Officer
NKP
Nakhon Phanom
NMCC
National Military Command Center
NMIC
National Military Intelligence Center
NOIWON
National Operations and Intelligence Watch Officers Network
NOSIC
Naval Ocean Surveillance Information Center
NSC
National Security Council
NSOC
National SIGINT Operations Center (NSA's Operations Center)
OLYMPIC TORCH
A US airborne SIGINT collection program
using U-2R aircraft
1.'3 A US reconnaissance aircraft
PACFLT Pacific Fleet
PACOM Pacific Command
SAC Strategic Air Command
SIGINT Signals Intelligence
S/S State Secretariat
TG Task Group
USAFSS US Air Force Security Service (the US Air Force SIGINT Service)
USASA US Army Security Agency (the US Army SIGINT Service)
[ISM-7 (Udorn) US SIGINT collection station at Udorn, Thailand
USSAG US Special Assistance Group, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand
WHSR White House Situation Room
TOP SECRET 25X1
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INTERAGENCY INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM*
SUBJECT: Chronological Listing of Intelligence Community
Activities During the Mayaguez Affair
I. Activities of the National Security Agency (NSA)
A. Events before Seizure of Mayaguez
7 May 1975
1438 EDT** NSA (2/00/7530-75): Reports capture of 6 "Chinese"
vessels, on 6 May, that were enroute to Thailand.
Vessels, reportedly carrying refugees "from Sai-
gon," were taken to mainland.
1440 NSA (2/00/7531-75):. Reports on Cambodian seizure
of 9 Thai vessels on 2 May, in what was described
as "our" territorial waters.
8 May
1418 EDT NSA report (2/00/7600-75) gives details on the 7
May seizure of Panamanian registry vessel.
1612 NSA (2/00/7624-75): Reports Cambodian capture of
South Vietnamese vessel and execution of crew on 6
May.
1719 NSA Tasking Message to USM-7 (Udorn) (B33-429-75):
Provides brief background on recent Cambodian
seizures and assigned specific collection coverage
in first priority.
9 May
1350 EDT NSA (2/00/7660-75): Reports the seizure of a
Panamanian vessel on 7 May located 20 miles off
This memorandum was prepared by the Central InteZZigence Agency,
the Defense InteZZigence Agency, the National Secu~r?ity Age,ncy,,.
and the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of
State.
All times in this memorandum are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
NSA - 1
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B. Events
12 May 1975
0318 EDT
0503
0515
0517
Poulo Wai. Also reported the new Cambodian boundary
had been extended 30 miles outside Poulo Wai.
following capture of Mayaguez
SS Mayaguez boarded by Khmer Communists (KC).
US Mission Jakarta issues CRITIC.
NSA received CRITIC on seizure of Mayaguez.
Advises Deputy Director for Operations (DDO)/NSA
of CRITIC-
0520 CRITIC Followup 1: Vessel under own power enroute
Sihanoukvi lle.
0545 CRITIC Followup 2: Lost contact with Mayaguez.
0645 Secret Service asked if State received CRITIC.
Affirmative response.
0715.. Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT)
request to NSA for information on Signals Intel-
ligence (SIGINT) collection against Cambodia.
1030 Commander in Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC) launched P3
aircraft to photo Mayaguez.
1425 Naval Ocean Surveillance Information Center (NOSIC)
asks NSA for Cambodian Navy Direction Finding (DF);
NOSIC received the question from Defense Intelli-
gence Agency (DIA).
1445 Chief, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) advises that he
will assist NSA (if we require assistance) in get-
ting airborne collection re Cambodian situation.
1458 NSA sends additional special tasking instructions
to USM-7 (Udorn) and additional background informa-
tion (B33-434-75).
NSA - 2
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27 EDT
1550
1557
1658
1705
2100
NSA sends tipoff message to Overhead Satellite
advises them of
CRITIC, and e s site to be alert for any pos-
sible reaction.
CINCPAC (Adm Gaylor) at National Military Command
Center (NMCC).requests NSA for anything available
from SIGINT on KC occupying Islands/Gulf of Thai-
land. Provided pertinent product reports.
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) (DIA DC 05204
May 75) validates to NSA an urgent requirement for
immediate SIGINT coverage of Cambodian Navy and
port facilities.
NSA reports (2/00/7754-75) summary of KC naval ac-
tivity in the Gulf of Thailand since early May.
Adm Gaylor expresses appreciation for reports pro-
vided.
NSA initiates action on establishing special time-
critical reporting in response to a Commander
Seventh Fleet (COMSEVFLT) request (122105Z).,
NSA establishes and activates computerized report-
ing procedures for support to Gulf of Thailand op-
eration.
Two Flash messages received: (a) COMSEVFLT
(122350Z) says USS Hancock is to get underway from
Subic Bay at 131600Z at 18 kts or 1322002 23 kts.
Marines are to be loaded by 130800Z, CTG 77.5 pre-
pared to conduct mine operations at 1st light on 15
May. (b) JCS (130122Z) tells CINCPAC that USS Coral
Sea is to proceed at maximum speed to Poulo Wai
Island and await further instructions.
NSA updates DDO and internal NSA elements on Mayaguez
situation, including airborne posture.
Task Group 72.3 reports that the Mayaguez is dead
in water and 2 KC gunboats are nearby.
NSA - 3
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13 May 1975
9 j0 EDT
CINCPACFLT advises that the P3 observed the
Mayaguez dead in water. The P3 was fired upon
by one of the KC gunboats.
0045 Cryptologic Support Group (CSG) at 7th Fleet
asks for AAA and SAM OB for area.
0045 CINCPACFLT asks NSA about coverage of KC Navy.
0106 NSA representative (REP) NMCC advises NSA that
the P3 reported that the Mayaguez is underway
and is 50 miles from Sihanoukville.
0135 NSA establishes and activates additional automatic
support procedures for the operation.
0230 NSA Rep NMCC advises that the Mayaguez is still
underway.
0310 Replies to CSG CINCPACFLT on AAA/SAM OB data.
0330 NSA releases message (V3-337-75) advising users
that NSA has implemented special support actions
for the Mayaguez situation.
0429 NSA releases message (V3-336-75) to all.'.field:.
sites in the area with instructions for time-
critical reporting for Task Group support.
0430 NSA releases message (V3-335-75) to additional
field sites containing same information and instruc-
tion as above.
0435 NSA releases message (V3-333-75) to area field sites
for further special support reporting instructions
to Task 'Group
0437 Receives Flash message (time 0418) from USM-7
(Udorn) reporting that Commander of the KC 3rd
Division was to move the 42 Americans and 9 Viet-
namese to Koh Tang Isle.
NSA - 4
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
0437 EDT Intelligence Center Pacific (IPAC) queries if
Americans referred to in USM-7 Flash report were
from Mayaguez. IPAC quotes DIA to effect that
there were 9 foreign nationals onboard..
0450 NSA releases message (\T3-334-75) with additional
instructions to field sites for support for Task
Group.
0530 JC,S advises NSA that JCS has high interest in
developments. NSA advises that we have maximized
the SIGINT system and will relay anything obtained
soonest.
0535 P3 reconnaissance aircraft reports the Mayaguez is
ready to anchor off Koh Tang at 130625Z. P3 was
fired upon from the Mayaguez.
0647 NSA REP NMCC advises NSA of a Flash JCS message
(time 0617) authorizing use of fighter aircraft
to prevent movement of the Mayaguez into port.
No firing on Cambodian boats authorized.
0745 The P3 reports that a tug is departing and the
Mayaguez is heading for "shore" (probably the
30 OLYMPIC TORCH (U-2R) COMINT aircraft commenced
flying 24-hour support missions.
1010 NSA received 7th Air Force Situation Report that
all personnel were transferred to Island.
1140 NSA message (B33-439-75) to USM-7 (Udorn) refines
collection guidance and requests site to advise
NSA if additional assistance is required-
1222 NSA message (V12-637-75) provides units with ad-
ditional reporting guidance.
1313 DIA contacted NSA about Communications Intelligence
(COMINT) on.Cambodian Navy.
NSA - 5
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'1'0? SECRET SENSITIVE
NSA message (V39-418-75) provides Radio Direction
Finding (DF) net control with technical material
for KC shipping for DF tasking.
1439 NSA message (V36-084) to
NSA message (V39-483-75) provides airborne unit
with all available technical information on KC
Naval communications.
ground and reporting guidance.
1440 NSA receives JCS message to Commander in Chief,
V Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC) requesting use
of OLYMPIC TORCH reconnaissance aircraft to pro-
vide C3 support to forces in area of Mayaguez.
1511 NSA message (B3-092-75) to US Army Security Agency
(USASA) and US Air Force Security Service (USAFSS)
requests commanders identify linguists to support
increased airborne collection processing.
1535 National Intelligence Officer advises NSA that the
National Security Council may authorize marine helo
effort to get the Mayaguez and crew back-
1545 USAFSS message to NSA on Southeast Asia coverage
specifically related to Cambodian problem; advises
that the OLYMPIC TORCH is acting as radio relay
between Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Thailand and Command
aircraft, that it has limited SIGINT capability (1
linguist); and inquires whether are any
changes in OLYMPIC TORCH tracks.
1600 NSA message (V39-2394-75) to
collection tasking and processing ins ruc ions
for the situation.
1601 Commander Naval Security Group (COMNAVSECGRU) mes-
sage to NSA cites availability of Cambodian linguists.
1645 Concerned NSA offices meet to ensure all actions
have been taken relative to reporting and collec-
tion on the Mayaguez situation.
NSA - 6
TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
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15 EDT
NSA message (V3-340-75) to OLYMPIC TORCH ( in its
radio relay function) which requests whatever ac-
tion can in regard to SIGINT collection.
1750 NSA REP NMCC reports that retrieval operation is
to begin at 1900 EDT.
1730 Commander USASA advises USM-7 (Udorn) that the
US Marines had requested USASA assistance in pro-
viding six Cambodian linguists to act as inter-
preters.
1740 USAFSS message to NSA with information on transfer
STAT
P.L.
86-36
P.L.
86-36
1849 NSA message (V3-118-75) advises all cryptologic
about SIGINT ALERT ONE
of four Cambodian linguists from USM-7 (Udorn) to
units worldwide that NSA declared SIGINT ALERT ONE
due to seizure of Mayaguez.
1849 NSA message (V3-341-75) to US-962B telling site
1856 NSA message (DDO-186-75) declares SIGINT ALERT ONE P.L.
for action units. 86-36
1856 NSA issues Product Report to user on the declara-
tion of SIGINT ALERT ONE
1950 The NSA REP NMCC advises NSA that the US Marine
Operation was delayed until 2050 EDT.
2123 A field Tactical Report describes 10 survivors
of sunken Cambodian gunboat in a raft; possibility
that some may be caucasians.
2230 NSA REP NMCC advises NSA of a further delay in the
Marine Operation. They won't be on scene until 0600
EDT "at the earliest." DDO informed.
P.L.
86-36
2235 Issues informal taski o Overhead Satellite Mis-
sion on reporting on the pos- 25X1
sibi i y ot reaction -o the situation.
2250 Intelligence Center Pacific (IPAC) advises helicop-
ters will attempt search and rescue operation near.
NSA - 7
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Cambodian gunboat sinking by US aircraft. P3
recce aircraft reports that another gunboat is
en route Kompong Som with 40 persons on board.
NSA product, reports a possible KC reference to
"Enemy" aircraft flights on 13 May.
the report to State, White House, and local users.
White House Situation Room (WHSR) expresses great
interest in additional info. NSA advises we had
already asked site for additional info and will
provide as it becomes available. (Report amended
later to read "with them" and believed to be a
reference to the VC.)
instructed to make contact (with Americans) to
solve the problem. NSA Senior Reporter readdresses
product report says that the KC was
14 May 1975
reports KC were instructed to trans-
another patrol boat).
fer them (probably the crew) to NR 5 (probably
passes ins ructions to the probable patrol craft
to keep "them" (probably the Americans) on the side
(of the boat) towards the enemy.
report that unidentified KC entity
0054 provides information about location 25X1
of KC comms in their SPOT series.
0054 NSA message (V10024-75) to DIA acknowledges their
request for SIGINT on situation.
0130 Receives CINCPACFLT 140254Z message authorizing the
destroyer USS Holt to take a number of actions:
Embark boarding or salvage party; provide naval
gunfire support in event assault on Koh Tang Is-
land; or take Mayaguez under tow.
0230 IPAC passes to NSA information that, as result of
NSC meeting which ended at 0030 this AM, plans are
for simultaneous assault on both Koh Tang Island
and the Mayaguez at first light Cambodian time on
15 May.
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0618
0656
0700
(Approx)
0745
1102
F-
1159
advises that their earlier Tactical
Report on t e transfer of personnel to another
JCS message (140523Z) received.in NSA suggests that
CINCPAC consider that the Mayaguez may be booby
trapped.
NSA REP NMCC advises NSA that the USS Holt will be
on station at 1100 on the 14th, the USS Coral Sea
at 0130 on the 15th.
queries NSA if it has any informa-
tion on attack against a possible Swedish ship.
The White House Situation Room asked NSA for an
update on the situation.
NSA modifies existing computerized support program
for operational Electronic Intelligence (ELINT)
reporting to reflect the Cambodian situation.
NSA Product reports KC message of crew capture
("42 Americans"), air attacks and handling of
prisoners.
Army xeport o Air, Naval encounters (seemingly
second hand information).
Product reports North Vietnamese
IPAC advises that Swedish cargo vessel under at-
tack in Gulf of Siam. Not in area of US operations.
Strategic Air Command (SAC) requests support for
B-52 operations against Cambodia. DIA calls NOIWON
conference, recapped situation in Gulf of Thailand,
and advises that 3 Cambodian vessels had been sunk.
NSA tasking Overhead facilities of
Time-Critical processing and reporting.
Overhead Satellite
NSA Dispatches Special overhead tasking message to
NSA - 9
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
14 May 1975
1200 EDT VIA calls National Operations and Intelligence
Watch Officers Network: (NOIWON) Conference,
cites informal message from IPAC which recaps
the number of ships in Kompong Som Harbor.
NOIWONs now every hour.
1257 White House asks status of KC gunboats in
vicinity of Koh Tang Island.
DIA calls a NOIWON conference on the Swedish
vessel situation, stating not appear to be in
trouble.
1345 NSA Product reports KC message on 400 SW re-
gion troops moving as possible reinforcements.
1400 NOIWON on KC seizure of another ship.
1400 NSA implements special data forwarding
1422 NSA Product reports Cambodian message which or-
ders firing on enemy aircraft.
1426 NSA message (V3-344-75) advises sites of pos-
sible operations in/around Cambodia including
possibility of use of B-52s; establishes reporting
guidelines for the support SAC requested and
describes special coverage of selected Soviet
targets for possible reflections/reaction.
1439 NSA message (V3-087-75) with background and in-
structions on reporting of Mayaguez situation
relative to pending operations for ship recovery.
1501 Commander USASA confirms to NSA a request that NSA
initiate backup Cambodian reporting procedures for
a USM07 (Udorn) mission.
STAT
P.L.
86-36
1508 NOIWON convened: Nothing pertinent.
1517 US Special Assistance Group (USSAG),,NKP, message to all
concerned which contains order of operations for
assault of Koh Tang Island by Marines. Assault is
to begin at sunrise (0600 15 May Cambodian time,
1900 14 May EDT).
NSA - 10
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
1605 EDT NSA advises NSA REP Pacific of the SAC four hour
slippage in time-over-target.
1652 NSA message (B34-991-75) provides US Navy field
sites with additional technical information and
guidance.
1659 JCS advises all of the text of the Inserted Message
(Ultimatum) to be broadcast to Cambodia about
Mayaguez release. Not to be broadcast until order
given.
1728 IPAC advises NSA that they received the execute
order for the first operation at 0045Z. First
event to be armed recce of Kompong Som Harbor.
Instructions were passed for JCS by ADM Holloway
from White House.
1731 NSA message (B3-093-75) provides US Navy sites with
guidance on reporting Cambodian voice intercept.
1748 NSA advises all sites supporting operations that
they should not implement special reporting unit
until instructed to do so.
1755 NSA advises Overhead Satellite Mission
of possibility of Soviet reaction to the
recovery operations.
1802 NOIWON: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) asks
about "operations"; DIA couldn't tell them anyt Th --
because of "security," NMCC response?is "negative."
1810 NSA Rep NMCC advises NSA that the NMCC DDO briefed
that at 1915 marines will land and occupy the is-
land, at 2045 USS Holt will be standing offshore
and at 2045 Kompong Som will be hit by USS Coral
Sea aircraft.
1834 NSA message (B-060-75) to USM-7 (Udorn) formalizes
previous guidance on the Mayaguez situation.
NSA - 11
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1854 EDT
1900
1901
1903
1913
1920
NSA message (V3-348-75) advises supporting sites
that we had received an execute for recovery opera-
tions, less the B-52 operations.
NOIWON: NMCC gave brief review of plan; no delay
in sked time was expected; sked time is approx
1915.
JCS cancels instructions re Inserted Message (Ul-
timatum).
to NSA reports that the first choppers 25X1
were en route USS Holt.
reports to NSA that first choppers
on command communications from their relay
reporting many items ("one-liners")
position P.L.
NSA message (DDO-187-75) extends SIGINT ALERT ONE 86-36
STAT
to other collection sites that might reflect
of er target nations reactions to US recovery oper-
ations
Landings underway: Choppers being hit,
NMCC advises NSA that DIA wants NSA to initiate
NOIWON on NSA gray phone system. They understood
that the White House is not included in this system.
NOIWON (gray phone system) DIA advises that opera=
Penh is willing to release Mayaguez.
IPAC advises NSA that the White House says go with
first strike against Kompong Som and then hold for
bomb damage assessment,
NSA - 12
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
2107 EDT NSA Rep NMCC advises NSA that Marines have the
Mayagueze
2108 NOIWON (gray phone system): DIA advises White
House system was "out." NSA verified. NMCC is
holding their line open to Secretary Kissinger and 25X1
NOIWON would break that connection?
and to at the White House Situation Room, STAT
they will re ease the 'Americans. NSA passes this
informptinn to conferees on NOIWON (on-going at time)
P.L.
advises that the Cambodians have said 86-36
2126 NSA Rep NMCC advises that Gen Faurer, DIA, has a
"tape" to send to Related to detailed 25X1
discussions on 14th on intrusion into Cambodian comms,
2155 SAC contact relays:'to NSA a "cease order" on Coral
Sea air operations associated with recovery opera-
tion. SAC still on 1-hour alert,
2205 NOIWON (on gray phone): Marines found a Collins
radio on Island. USSAG advises it is standard Cam-
bodian communications gear..
2240 SAC advises NSA that the Coral Sea operations are
back on. No time-over-target yet. Nothing further
on SAC B-52 operations,
2245 NSA releases two messages: To
RC-135s SIGINT collector) for transmission to enemy
forces per agreements between NSA and DIA; to alert
all sites to any reaction to the broadcast by KCB
2257 IPAC reports to NSA that US Navy says they have struck
Ream airfield,
2306 NOIWON (convened at DIA request on gray phone) Nothing
new,
2312 NSA Product reports some 13 MIG-21s moving from Da-
nang-to-Bien Hoa on 15 May,
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
The USS Wilson had Mayaguez crew onboard. All OK
per NSA Rep/NMCC.
2318 NSA advises on recovery of crew and on status
of message for them to broadcast. NSA 25X1
to contact DIA re cancellation of the broadcast,
2320 NOIWON (gray' system) DIA requested it. Nothing new,
2330 General Faurer, DIA, asks NSA to call Mr. Stearmanat
White House re the cancellation of the broadcast
message. Stearman says not to cancel until situa-
tion is clarified. NSA advised (OLYMPIC 25X1
TORCH) to hold. (15/0335Z)
2338 NSA queries
actually transmitted message to KC<
2341 IPAC wants to know from NSA the authority for can-
cellation of the broadcast. Advises them was White
Housed
advises NSA that they did not broadcast 25X1
15 May 1975
0008 EDT NOIWON (gray system) Nothing to Report.
0028 President Ford announces crew recovered. NSA is
informed,
NSA asks White House if we could cancel all actions
pertaining to broadcast of message to KC. Gen.
Scowcroft says yes. NSA advises all concerned and
NMCC,
0158 Having trouble getting marines off the island..
0159 SAC advises NSA that B-52 operations all cancelled
and SAC crews released from Alert status.
0200 NOIWON (Gray system) Nothing to Report,
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0400 EDT NOIWON (Gray system) Nothing to Report.
National Military Intelligence Center to NSA
(NMIC), asking about lack of KC intercepts and
tactical reports; NSA advises him that the SIGINT
system remains on Alert,
0433 NSA Product reports KC say they will release crew,
ship; they had seen US Marines on Mayaguez; they will
defend themselves.,
0505 USM-7 (Udorn) relates in a Tactical Report 14 May
intercept that says reinforcements and supplies being
sent and problems continue with getting Marines off
Island.
0527 NSA Product reports KC troops movements; reinforcements
and supplies to be sent in.
0530 SAC advises NSA that the OLYMPIC TORCH (U-2R)
at 0501... Back-.up on way,
0601 NOIWON (gray system) Nothing to Report.
quell hostile fire.
the island will attempt to join the 70 on the other
side, and that covering aircraft will attempt to
reports that 26 persons on one side of 25X1
0611 NSA Rep/NMCC advises NSA that during last night's News
Conference, Ron Nessen referred to US transmission of
a message directly to the KC on frequencies we knew
they would be monitoring. NSA asked NSA Rep at NMCC
to provide a copy.
0645 Small boats will be used to get personnel off Island
as choppers receiving too much ground fire,,
0806 NOIWON Nothing to Report, possibly last one on
Mayaguez situation-,:
0915 NSA Product provides KC reports of US bombing of KC
forces and request for guidance on actions to take.
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0950 EDT Field Reports indicate all marines off Island..
1035 JCS Says all Marines must be out of Thailand by
first light of 16th,
1040 Reverts to normal overhead taskinc a verhead
satellite mission 25X1
1315 Receives CINCPAC message (time 1042) ordering Task
Group 77.5 to stay within 35 nm of Koh Tank Island
with ready choppers.,
1334 Terminates further Overhead task' overhead
satellite Mission 25X1
1727 NSA Product reporting that KC discuss bomb damage
to warehouses, relocation of contents,
1731 NSA Summary Product covers 13-15 May, reviews a
previously published product,
CINCPAC releases all 7th fleet forces from operation
except TG77.5 (H. B. Wilson, H. E. Holt and Vega.)
16 May 1975
report on an 8 May KC message
in Cambodia; ten bodies - CIA saboteurs. DIA/CIA/
NMCC state the bodies are not part of Mayaguez
operation #
stating aircraft picked up bodies of dead Americans
1701-1709 NSA message (V3-350-75) terminates SIGINT ALERT ONE
and all special support functions, STAT
P.L.
86-36
NSA - 16
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
II. Activities of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
TIME (EDT) ACTION
12 May 1975
0518 EDT Received CRITIC (AMEMB JAKARTA May 75 time 0503),
regarding seizure of US merchant ship Mayaguez.
0520 NSA contacted National Military Intelligence Cen-
ter (NMIC) to assure CRITIC received.
0535 NMIC verified that National Military Command Cen-
ter (NMCC) has CRITIC.
0550 NMIC discussed CRITIC with Intelligence Center
Pacific (IPAC) and likelihood of need for recce.
0610 NMIC verified that CIA and NSA representatives in
NMCC had no additional information and that NMCC
would notify State Operations Center of CRITIC.
Also notified General Faurer, Deputy Director for
Intelligence, DIA.
0620 Naval Ocean Surveillance Information Center (NOSIC)
passed specifications of seized ship to NMIC, which
were then passed to NMCC.
0800 Briefed Acting Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
on firing on and boarding of US merchant ship
Mayaguez in Gulf of Thailand some 60 nm south-
west of Kompong Som on 12 May, and that ship was-
reported moving under its own power toward the
port of Kompong Som escorted by a Khmer Communist
(KC) navy patrol craft. No casualties reported
and the crew did not believe itself in immediate
danger.
0830 Notified National Intelligence Bulletin (NIB) staff
that DIA would publish an article on the Mayaguez
seizure in the next NIB. Draft article was submitted
about noon and published on the 13th.
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0900 EDT Queried NOSIC on deck cargo and whether any US
citizens aboard.
0930 Issued Special Defense Intelligence Notice 1140-75:
"Khmer Communists Seize US Merchant Ship."
Morning* Asked NOSIC for list of all ships enroute to or
scheduled for Cambodian port of Kompong Som.
Specific info was to include ship name, flag,
voyage departure, current location, and cargo,
if known.
Morning* Asked NOSIC for list of all ships within 24 hours
steaming time of Gulf of Thailand.
Morning* Asked NOSIC for description and dispositions of
KC merchant fleet.
Morning*
Query to NSA regarding coverage of KC communica-
tion activity in Gulf of Thailand area.
Morning* Query to NOSIC requesting information on crew,
home port, last port of call and destination of
Mayaguez.
Morning* DIA request to CINCPAC for information on na-
tionality status of Poulo Wai Islands.
Morning* Photo research initiated within DIA to identify
available aerial photography. 27 April deter-
mined to be last coverage of Poulo Wai.
Early Af- Query to Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines request-
ternoon* ing debriefing of any refugees with knowledge of
Poulo Wai Islands.
Early Af- Query to U-Tapao Thailand Refugee Center asking
ternoon* that refugees be interviewed for any information
concerning Poulo Wai Islands.
1340 Provided Secretary of Defense basic information
on islands in question -- population, size, and
significance to the Khmer Communists.
* Exact time not available.
DIA - 2
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J UP SJ UKJ '1'
F_ I 25X1
1400 EDT Forwarded Memo to Joint Reconnaissance Center
(JRC) requesting urgent requirement for photo
coverage of Poulo Wai. Provided general of-
ficer representative to Service Deputies for
Operations Conference in NMCC.
1510 Senior Authorities Room in the NMCC is activated.
DIA will provide intelligence briefings as re-
quired.
1544 DIA/J3 message to CINCPAC, requesting continuous
P-3 coverage of northern Gulf of Thailand, RF-4C
reconnaissance of Phnom Penh, Kompong Som and
PoulO Wai, and U-2R coverage of Poulo Wai.
1557 Message to NSA requesting increased SIGINT cover-
age of KC communications regarding Mayaguez.
1708 Message to Pacific Command (PACOM), SAC, and SAC
Strategic Reconnaissance Center providing detailed
operational reconnaissance guidance.
1720 Asked CINCPAC for available information regarding
Poulo Wai Island.
1744 Description of seized US vessel passed to Pacific
Fleet (PACFLT) .
1745 Provided Secretary of Defense map and photos of
Kompong Som area.
1845 Dispatched message to Defense Attache Office Bangkok
asking details on 7 May seizure of Panamanian ship
in same area.
13 May 1975
CINCPAC and 7/13 UDORN asked for any available info
on deck loading of seized ship.
0710 DIA concurred with PACOM recommendation for utili-
zation of OLYMPIC TORCH (U-2R) as airborne relay
for US forces communications.
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
0830 EDT Briefing prepared for Chairman, Joint Chiefs of
Staff. Mayaguez located at anchor one nm North
of Koh Tang Island. US surveillance aircraft took
small arms fire on two occasions, with a possible
hit in stabilizer. No public statements by KC,
but communication intercept states "that the KC
will take the 42 Americans and nine unidentified
Vietnamese to Koh Tang Island." Also briefed fol-
lowing info concerning Poulo Wai Island group ob-
tained from the debriefing of a Cambodian naval.
officer: Eastern Island has 1800-3000 ft air-
strip, small naval facility, communications site,
60-man contingent, two 75 mm gun emplacements,
several 12.7 mm and M-60 machine guns, mortars
and some unknown Chinese weapons. (Briefing
delivered informally to the Chairman, JCS and
dispatched world-wide by message to other con-
sumers.)
1100 Asked FBIS to request info on foreign press cov-
erage of Mayaguez incident. Asked that they pro-
vide any information ASAP directly to Southeast
Asia Division of DIA.
Morning* Query of CINCPAC requesting details relating to
Koh Tang Island from Cambodian refugees.
Morning* Query to NOSIC requesting information on number
and status of Cambodian merchant fleet.
Morning* Query to Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR),
Department of State requesting any information on
news broadcast reporting that the Mayaguez will be
released after KC receive "US apologies and return
of Khmer aircraft that were flown to Thailand."
Morning* Query to CINCPAC for info on KC combat strength,
and weapons, type and number of troops on Islands.
Also asked for any info available from reconnais-
sance pilot debriefing.
Morning* Query to NSA on US ability to enter KC communica-
tion net to transmit message to KC leadership.
Exact time not available.
DIA - 4
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1300 EDT CINCPAC passed requested information concerning
Koh Tang Island to DIA.
1300-1400 Asked B-Group NSA why lack of KC communications
intercepts regarding Mayaguez situation. DIA in-
formed that it had received what little was avail-
able. Reasons given for lack of COMINT was lack
of technical data on Khmer naval communications
in order to isolate signals.
1435 DIA requested debrief of reconnaissance pilots ASAP
on combat force strength on the Cambodian islands.
JSC reconnaissance requirements were 4 RF-4s flown
Kompong Som to Ream-40% successful; 1 OLYMPIC MEET
U-2 against Poulo Wai-30% successful; P-3 continu-
ous surveillance of Koh Tang Island per CINCPAC.
1450 Admiral Gayler, CINCPAC, who was in Washington,
formed a task group in NMCC, and requested DIA
assistance. A representative was dispatched.
1600 Received requirement from White House Situation
Room for the best and most current photos of Koh
Tang Island. Photos were to be annotated with
information on the approaches to the northeast
beach.
1725 CINCPAC reported that US tactical aircraft had
fired on a KC patrol boat in Gulf of Thailand.
1755 DIA rep to Adm Gayler task force notified CINCPAC
J-2 that additional reconnaissance,of Koh Tang
required.
1800 Asked NSA what data needed to help in search for
KC communications signals. Requirements passed
to CINCPAC for collection from knowledgeable
former Khmer Navy personnel approx 2000.
1807 Message to Armed Forces Courier Service. CINCPAC
concurs in recommended delivery procedures for
expediting photo materials to Washington.
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
1844 EDT DIA annotated photographs and hydrostatic map
of Koh Tang Island sent to the White House per
their 1600 request.
1945 Defense Intelligence Notice 1150-75; "Status
of US Merchant Ship."
2000 FBIS requested to emphasize Cambodian coverage
regarding Mayaguez incident.
2036 DIA notified that KC patrol ships in Gulf of
Thailand were fired on by tactical aircraft
and that one caught fire and sunk.
2045 DIA contacted IPAC regarding procedure to be
followed to debrief Cambodian survivor(s) of
sunken boat on arrival in Thailand. IPAC has
the action and will keep DIA advised.
2250 IPAC called with information that action being
taken to properly debrief any KC survivors of
patrol boats.
14 May 1975
0054 EDT NSA message to DIA - acknowledged DIA require-
ment for SIGINT coverage relating to Mayaguez.
0058 DIA queried USSAG battle staff on readout of
island photos. USSAG advised that reconnais-
sance was continuous and would be passed to
DIA as available.
0200 Coordinated potential targets with SAC for pos-
sible B-52 strikes in Cambodia.
0233 Secretary of Defense requested copies of all
Cambodian SIGINT intercepts. Arrangements made
to deliver,hourly with provision for ASAP de-
livery of hot items.
0303 DIA received requirement to update target maps
by 0630 and'to be on call for possible situa-
tion briefing.
DIA - 6
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25X1
0314 EDT
0415
0420
IPAC tasked to provide Air Order of Battle at
Ream Airfield and Naval Order of Battle at Kom-
pong Som Naval Base and Port. Info needed ASAP.
Received requirement from SAC for accurate photos
of Ream Air Base, Kompong Som Port and Ream Naval
Base.
Received requirement from Acting Chairman, JCS to
provide 8x10 photos with target description of:
- Ream Airfield
- Ream Naval Base
- Kompong Som Harbor
Needed ASAP for National Security Council meeting.
0429 Passed photo update info to SAC in response to
requirement for current air and naval order of
battle of Ream Air Base and Naval Base and the
Kompong Som Port.
0450 Informed that the National Intelligence Officer
for South and Southeast Asia harl identified a
private citizen that is knowl- STAT
edgeable of Koh Tang Island. Requested to de-
termined if secure communications could be es-
tablished with the source and to draw up a set
of questions for a debrief. When secure commu-
nications could not be established, DIA decided,
based on a review of preliminary information,
that the source's knowledgeability warranted im-
mediate transportation to the Pentagon for a de-
brief by the Services, Joint Staff and DIA.
Source arrived here at 1530 for a successful de-
0614 White House Situation Room requests any COMPASS
LINK photos of good quality of Mayaguez.
0753 J-3 tasked.DIA to provide estimate of enemy
threat on Koh Tang Island.
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0830 EDT Briefing prepared for the Chairman, Joint Chiefs
of Staff, that Mayaguez remains anchored north-
east of Koh Tang Island. Most of crew has appar-
ently been transferred to the island and it is
possible that some personnel may have been moved
to the mainland. CINCPAC has received late in-
formation from the US ship Texas Ranger that a
cargo vessel of Swedish registry was reportedly
attacked by a patrol boat approximately 12 miles
southwest of Panjang Island at 132340. (Brief-
ing delivered informally to the Chairman, JCS and
dispatched by message world-wide.)
0837 NMCC requested DIA provide 8x10 glossy photos of
type-2 Swift Boat and a River Patrol Boat. Photos
passed to NMCC at 0946.
1000 A DIA Intelligence Task Force reporting on the
seizure of the Mayaguez was formalized.
1030 DIA began procedure to convene a National Opera-
tional and Intelligence Watch Officers Network
(NOIWON) call every 30 minutes. Later reduced
to every hour.
1100 Special Defense Intelligence Notice 1157-75:
"Cambodian Patrol Boat Attacks Swedish Cargo
Vessel."
1104 DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Passed in-
formation on firing upon Swedish registry ship
off Panjang Island group. NMCC stated Navy P-3
aircraft has been diverted to investigate. NMCC
passed status of five KC ships near Mayaguez.
White House requested instructions be passed USS
Holt when it arrives on station.
1110 DIA provided information on Cambodian vessels
damaged by US aircraft to the US Mission at the
UN.
1130 DIA firmed up procedures to receive, process
and exploit post-strike recce to include FLASH
Initial Photographic Intelligence Reports (IPIRS)
and COMPASS LINK transmission of photos on priority
basis.
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1200 EDT Drafted "ultimatum" message to KC. Provided
to NMCC for forwarding.
1200
1300
DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Discussed
recent info on ships in Kompong Som Port.
DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Passed
data on P-3 observation of MS Hirado, the ship
believed to have been fired upon by KC. CIA
queried as to whether we had anything on second
Panamanian ship coming under fire; we have
nothing. CIA suspects duplicate press report-
ing of first Panamanian incident.
DIA activated NOIWON conference net.
Passed
IPAC report on KC seizing Thai registry ship
near Panjang Island. Ship later reported re-
1415
leased.
Defense Intelligence Notice 1159-75:
"Thailand
1510
Reactions to US Ship Seizure."
DIA activated NOIWON conference net.
Passed
report from IPAC on another possible Khmer ship
sunk by US aircraft. Confirmed Defense Condi-
tion (DEFCON) 4 status for PACOM.
1525
DIA provided Mayaguez Situation Report
by phone
to Defense Nuclear Agency.
1527
DIA representative at the UN unable to provide
any new info on Swedish freighter incident.
(See entry for 1300 above).
DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Passed
info on beaching/sinking of KC small craft by
AC-130. Again questioned NSA on availability
of COMINT. Reply was negative.
1800 Query involving White House Situation Room, NMCC,
CINCPAC and NSA regarding transmission of ulti-
matum to KC.
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1801 EDT
2000
2050
2110
DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Discussed
CINCPACFLT clarification that former Thai regis-
tered freighter referred to earlier was in fact
of Panamanian registry (See 14/1400).
DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Passed For-
eign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) trans-
mission of Phnom Penh radio statement that Cam-
bodian government to release ship. No confirming
info this time.
PACOM requested info concerning activity on board
the Mayaguez.
DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Passed PACOM
report of boarding of Mayaguez and capture of six
KC, no Americans. No info on FBIS/UPI report on
release of American Shipl NSA passed report from
unidentified Cambodian station that stated "let
Americans and ship go." NSA trying to evaluate.
2205 DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Passed USSAG
message of 1730 about US Collins manufactured radio
possibly being on island. NMCC passed model type
and stated frequency range unknown. Provided to
aid NSA on communication.
2304 DIA received word from PACOM that 30 Caucasians
were heading toward Koh Tang waving white flags.
2320 DIA asked to verify by NMCC that no American oil-
men are on Koh Tang.
2322 DIA activated NOIWON conference net. Passed fol-
low up that USS Wilson reportedly picked-up 32
Americans; 5 Thai. Master of Mayaguez reported
that is entire crew.. White House Situation Room
notified.
15 May 1975
0225 EDT DIA and IPAC both requested that Cambodian communi-
cations be isolated and systems checked since there
has been no recent communication intercepts. NSA
replied that there were no communications to inter-
cept.
DIA - 10
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0429 EDT
0825
0827
0830
DIA requested IPAC provide clearer picture of
how US forces were deployed on the island.
Defense Intelligence Notice 1167-75: "Mayaguez
and Its Crew Rescued."
DIA received information from PACOM that all US
Marines had been removed from the island.
Briefing prepared for Chairman, Joint Chiefs of
Staff. Stated that the rapid and unexpected re-
action by the US as seen by the Khmer Communists
probably aided-in the early release of the crew
of the merchant ship Mayaguez. (Briefing delivered
informally to Chairman and dispatched world-wide
by message to other consumers.)
1146 DIA received requirement from the NMCC for be-
fore and after photos of Cambodian targets.
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TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
III. Activities of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR),
Department of State
5 May 1975 INR reported 4 May Cambodian attack on South
Korean tanker in INR Afternoon Summary
12 May 1975
0515 EDT INR Watch Office received CRITIC from Embassy
Djakarta reporting capture of SS Mayaguez. INR
passed copies of messages to INR recipients only,
0630 Late item on Mayaguez inserted in Secretary's
Morning Summary. Copy was sent by LDX to White House
Situation Room and copies of summary were dis-
tributed to all Department Principals at 0700
by State Secretariat (S/S),
0720 Mr. Hyland, Director of INR, read information avail-
able on Mayaguez,
0800 Mr. Hyland attended the Secretary's Staff Meeting.
He briefed the Secretary on details of the incident,
(As events developed and new information was re-
ceived during the next two days, Mr. Hyland briefed
the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on a continuing
basis. INR officers also briefed the Assistant
Secretary and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
East Asian Affairs and the Mayaguez Working Group),
0815 The Secretary requested a memo explaining the delay
in the alerting of the Department's policy officers
on the seizure of the Mayaguez. Requirement levied
on INR, S/S, and East Asia (EA),
0830 Mr. Hyland asked the INR Current Intelligence Staff
(CIS) to check with the Pentagon on Department of
Defense (DOD) actions' undertaken or planned,
0900 INR/CIS informed that no DOD action was planned at
that time,
0930 INR/CIS informed that DOD will use air assets avail-
able at Utapao to overfly area
INR - 1
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1000 EDT INR/CIS discussed procedures for handling CRITICS
with NSA and asked for all NSA traffic on incident,
1300 NSA informed INR/CIS that field sites were inter-
cepting information from US reconnaissance com-
mander and they would keep INR informed,
1700 INR Afternoon Summary published status report on
Mayaguez and information on earlier attack on
Panamanian ship.
1700 Memo forwarded to Secretary from INR, S/S, and EA
explaining the delay in alerting the Department's
policy officers on the seizure of the Mayaguez,
2020 INR alerted White House Situation Room to NSA re-
port on KC naval activity in Gulf of Thailand. Sit
Room was an addressee but had not yet received item,
2022: INR/CIS called CIA, DIA, and NSA for recent infor-
mation on Mayaguez. CIA reported sensitive mili-
tary contingency plan,
2050 Mr. Hyland was briefed by phone. He asked to be
called on anything significant,
2125 Mr. Rives in EA was briefed on item in 2020 entry,
2150 INR/CIS received CRITIC reporting Mayday message from
vessel identified phonetically as MARLBOROUGH. A
call to Embassy Singapore confirmed that second ship
had not been seized.
2220 NMCC reported Mayaguez had been identified 1 1/2 mile
off Poulo Wai Island. Mr. Hyland informed,
13 May 1975
0110 EDT NMCC advised INR that Mayaguez was moving and was
expected to arrive at Kompong Som at 0314 EDT,
0345 INR/CIS called NMCC and JRC and was advised that
photos from the U-2-and RF-4 flights would be avail-
able by 0800,
INR - 2
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0440 EDT NSA report indicated that the KC intended to move
42 Americans and 9 Vietnamese to Koh Tang Island.
INR/CIS informed Operations Center and the Military
Representative.
0700 INR published status report on Mayaguez and other
recent naval activity in the area in the Secretary's
Morning Summary,
0815 INR/CIS checked with NSA on information reporting
movement of Americans to Koh Tang Island. NSA said
technical backup confirms information is correct.
0930 Mr. Hyland requested detailed chronology of all in-
formation on Mayaguez to be ready by 1130 and a
situation report to be ready by 1330.
1155 INR/CIS delivered chronology, maps and report on
geographic setting of area to Mr. Hyland, Acting
Secretary Ingersoll and Under Secretary Sisco.
1215 INR/CIS called White House Situation Room for any
information on US planning. Nothing available,
1300 Representatives from INR/CIS and the Operations Cen-
ter attended meeting at CIA to discuss how a simi-
lar failure to alert might be avoided in the future,
1400 INR/CIS issued first situation report on Mayaguez.
Report covered operational developments, intelli-
gence material, the status of enemy, Chinese, Soviet,
and Vietnamese forces and the US aircraft in Thailand.,
1400 White House Situation Room reported that five KC ves-
sels were in the immediate vicinity of the Mayaguez.
Information was inserted as a late item in the Situa-
tion Reports
1630 NSA confirmed once again that information on movement
of Americans to Koh Tang was correct.
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1700 EDT Status Report on Mayaguez updating Situation Report
published in INR Afternoon Summary,
2130 INR prepared update on Mayaguez information includ-
ing maps and photos for Mr. Hyland's 2145 briefing
of Acting Secretary Ingersoll and Under Secretary
Sisco. Photos showed Koh Tang and locations of KC
vessels and maps indicated US vessels enroute and
estimated times of arrival.
2350 NSA sent Flash report mentioning US air activity and
return of Americans. Item passed to DDO. INR asked
NSA to pass additional reports as soon as possible.
14 May 1975
0120 EDT INR/CIS alerted the Director of Mayaguez Working Group
to NSA report possibly indicating KC interest in
political solution. Report also briefed to DDO, the
Secretary's Personal Assistant, and the White House
Situation Room.
0700 INR/CIS prepared situation report on Mayaguez for
Secretary's Morning Summary.
0815 INR/CIS asked NSA for verification of information in
NSA's Report of 0120 reporting KC interest in politi-
cal solution. NSA promised to advise INR/CIS as soon
as possible.
1105 DIA NOIWON call requesting current information on
Mayaguez.
1130 INR/CIS prepared. updated chronology for Mr. Hyland,
Deputy Secretary Ingersoll and Under Secretary Sisco.
1200 DIA convened NOIWON to update information from intel-
ligence community.
1306 DIA convened NOIWON; no new information was developed.
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1510 EDT
1600
1630
1640
DIA convened NOIWON on AP ticker reporting that Cam-
bodians had seized and detained a Panamanian ship
for two hours.
INR/CIS issued situation report on current develop-
ments, enemy forces on Koh Tang, and foreign press
reaction.
NSA informed INR/CIS that they had alerted field sites
to a B-52 alert.
NSA informed INR that they were unable to clarify
information in 0120 concerning Cambodian interest in
political settlement.
1700 Situation Report on Mayaguez published in INR After-
noon Summary.
1700 DIA will convene NOIWON call on hourly basis. DIA re-
ported sinking of fifth Cambodian naval vessel by
C-130 gunship.
1800 DIA initiated NOIWON. P-3 on way to MS Hirado. CIA
asked for details of planned US operations. DIA
said there was a security problem. NMCC said they
had no information on plans that they could pass.
1900 DIA initiated NOIWON. DIA had nothing significant
to report. NMCC advised that an EXECUTE message
had gone out: 400 Marines would go from Utapao
via the USS Holt to secure the Mayaguez. Naval
TacAir support has been authorized. Substance passed
verbally to Working Group and Mr. Hyland.
1915 DIA initiated NOIWON. NMCC reported the first of two
helicopters had landed on the Holt at 1910. Passed
to Mr. Hyland and working group.
1958 FBIS alerted INR WATCH to bulletin they were putting
on the wire reporting Radio Cambodia advising they
will release the Mayaguez. Copies of FBIS secured
from printer and distributed to Mr. Hyland and Working
Group.
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2115 EDT
2115
2210
15 May 1975
DIA initiated NOIWON. Marines have secured the
Mayaguez and captured 6 Khmer. No Americans were
on board. Mr. Hyland and Working Group informed.
NSA reported message passed from unidentified KC
command saying "Let them take their ship and leave."
Passed to Working Group.
DIA convened NOIWON. Had nothing to report other
than tech info on radios on island in hands of KC
when captured. They said reporting has become con-
fused.
DIA reported message from PACOM: There is a gunboat
10 miles from Koh Tang island approaching with about
30 Caucasians on board. Boat is showing a white flag.
Passed to Working Group.
DIA initiated NOIWON: The USS Wilson has picked up
32 American and 5 Thai nationals. The master of the
Mayaguez reports this is the entire crew. Passed to
Working Group.
0009 EDT
DIA initiated NOIWON. Nothing significant to r
eport.
0200
DIA initiated NOIWON. Nothing significant to r
eport.
0400
DIA initiated NOIWON. Nothing significant to r
eport.
0600
DIA initiated NOIWON. Nothing significant to r
eport.
0700
Status Report on Mayaguez published by INR in Secre
tary's Morning Summary.
DIA initiated NOIWON. Nothing significant to report.
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IV. Activities of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
4 May 1975
0230 EDT CIA Operations Center informed of message from USS
Gridley which states an intercepted SOS had been
picked up from a Korean vessel reporting that it was
being captured by a Cambodian Communist ship.
12 May 1975
Operations Center received CRITIC from Jakarta re-
porting that US ship (Mayaguez) had been fired upon
and boarded by the Cambodian Communists.
0518-0630 Operations Center called DIA, NMCC, White House Situa-
tion Room, and the National SIGINT Operations Center
(NSOC) to ensure they had received the CRITIC. (State
Department Operations Center was not called because
NSOC assured CIA Operations Center that they had no-
tified State about the CRITIC.)
0518-0630 Operations Center informed the editor of the National
Intelligence Daily (NID) of the incident and asked
that the event be considered for use in the 12 May
issue of the NID as a late item. (The NID did not
carry the story because the publication was already
in the process of being printed.)
0635 Director of Central Intelligence (DCI)_'informed of
Mayaguez seizure.
0710 Operations Center informed that Acting JCS is re-
questing authorization of overflights of seizure
area.
0725 Operations Center received CRITIC follow-up stating
that contact with ship had been lost since 0500.
0740 Operations Center informed that JCS had tasked
CINCPAC to provide reconnaissance only of the US-
registered ship.
0800 (briefs President.
0830 DCI briefed on status of Mayaguez.
CIA - 1
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1005 EDT
Morning
STAT
1210 Operations Center receives first reconnaissance mission
results.
2200 White House Situation Room (WHSR) requested a map of
the Gulf of Thailand and the land mass that arcs the
Gulf -- map to highlight Poulo Wai Island and Kom-
pong Som.
2230
13 May 1975
0305 EDT
Operations Center informed that execute orders for
photo recon as soon as possible had been issued and
directed that "nearest surface unit" was to speed
to area at best speed to provide assistance as
practicable.
DCI briefed on Cambodian incident.
Operations Center informed that present estimates were
that Mayaguez would arrive in Kompong Som around 0315
EDST. Operations Center conferred with WHSR on sub-
ject -- also briefed National Intelligence Officer
on matter.
0420 Operations Center informed that Mayaguez had not gone
to Kompong Som, but was lying dead in the water some
30 miles off the Cambodian coast.
Morning President's Daily Brief, National Intelligence Daily,
and National Intelligence Bulletin carry articles
on the Mayaguez incident.
0615 DCI briefed on Cambodian situation.
0650 NIO requests that DIA query Subic regarding any in-
formation that the Cambodian refugee,
might have on the general characteristics o 0
Tang Island.
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0 720 EDT
0900
1030
160p
1758
Operations Center receives call from aide to
General Scowcroft asking for general information
on Koh Tang Island. NIO to be in contact.
DCI requests that Intelligence Community Staff
make recommendations on how to avoid redundancy
and delay in reacting to CRITICs.
DCI briefs National Security Council on Mayaguez
incident, including current situation and reactions.
Situation Report issued by CIA/Office of Current
Intelligence on the Mayaguez incident.
CIA alerts its stations in various. Asian capitals
to report via IMMEDIATE precedence any reactions to
US moves vis-a-vis the Mayaguez affair.
1900 Following earlier query,
or uia/UDU locates contaC who is know-
ledgeable concerning Poulo al and Ko Tang Islands.
Contact debriefed initially via long distance tele-
phone by NIO and Assistant NIO.
1945 Operations Center informed that all questions from
CIA, NSA, and DIA regarding the Mayaguez affair be
directed to Admiral Train, Director of the Joint
Staff.
2015 NIO confers with Admiral Train to obtain up-to-date
status report on Mayaguez operation.
2040 Operations Center informed that US aircraft had sunk
Cambodian vessels while trying to force them to re-
turn to Koh Tang. Also, received FBIS message. stating
that Thai newspaper had story that Thailand would
not allow US Marines to enter Thailand. DCI and NIO
briefed on developments.
2230 DCI briefs National Security Council on current situa-
tion relating to Mayaguez affair, including estimate
of Communist military forces in the area.
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14 May 1975
0115 EDT DCI briefed on situation.
0120 WHSR requests briefing map of Kompong Som.
Morning
President's Daily Brief, National Intelligence
Daily, and National Intelligence Bulletin report
on current status of the Mayaguez affair.
Operations Center informed that Swedish registry ves-
sel reportedly attacked and shot at by Cambodian
gunboat near Panjang Island, 75 miles south of
Kompong Som.
0800 Mr.
in time to alert shipping in the area.
briefs the President.
DCI requests the Intelligence Community Staff to
determine why intelligence on earlier seizures of
vessels by the Cambodians had not been forthcoming
DCI briefs National Security Council on situation, in-
cluding updated information on Communist forces in the
area, other possible incidents involving Cambodian
actions against ships in the area, and Thai reactions
to the situation.
CIA - 4
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1600 EDT
1612
1816
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CIA issues Situation Report on the Mayaguez incident,
covering basically the same subjects treated in the
DCI's briefing to the NSC.
Operations Center informed by JCS that US aircraft
scored a direct hit on gunboat in the vicinity of
the Mayaguez. The DCI and WHSR alerted.
Operations Center informed that US Marines will land
on Koh Tang at 1915; personnel from the USS Holt to
board the Mayaguez two hours later; and aircraft
from the USS Coral Sea will strike Kompong Som at
2045. DCI and NIO alerted.
1930 Operations Center advised by WHSR that one of US
troop helicopters had been shot down. DCI's office
and NIO informed.
2.002 Operations Center alerted by FBIS Duty Officer to
Radio Phnom Penh broadcast stating that Cambodia will
order the Mayaguez to withdraw. DCI and NIO alerted.
WHSR also alerted and requested to inform President
and Dr. Kissinger.
2037 Operations Center advised by WHSR that at 2027 Presi-
dent Ford ordered a stop in the action planned
against mainland Cambodia. DCI alerted.
2051 Operations Center advised by WHSR that President had
countermanded the stop order and had just ordered
the first wave of aircraft to strike Cambodia. Also,
the Mayaguez had been boarded, but there was no-word
yet on the crew. DCI and NIO alerted.
2305 Operations Center informed of PACOM report of sighting
of a Cambodian boat with an undetermined number of
Causasians on board who are waving white flags.
2325 Operations Center briefed DCI, NIO and other senior
CIA personnel on the rescue of the Mayaguez crew.
CIA - 5
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15 May 1975
Morning
President's Daily Brief, National Intelligence Daily,
and National Intelligence Bulletin report on the
situation.
0545 Operations Center informed by WHSR that helicopters
attempted to evacuate Marines from Koh Tang at 0300
but abandoned effort due to Communist ground fire.
Renewed effort to be made at 0650. Preliminary US
reports are one KIA and eight WIAO
Operations Center received JCS message stating that
all the Marines had been evacuated. DCI and NIO
informed.
0820 Operations Center informed by NMCC and WHSR that JCS
message on evacuation of Marines had not been con-
firmed. NMCC says operation is still in progress.
DCI and NIO informed.
CIA - 6
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FBIS alerted to need for all foreign reaction to
the US action in Cambodia.
DCI briefs National Security Council on reactions
to the Mayaguez incident.
Operations Center receives report that the evacuation
of the Marines was completed at 0920. DCI and NIO
informed.
1150 Operations Center informed that all ships in the
Cambodian operation have been released to normal opera-
tions with the exception of the USS Coral Sea and her
escorts. 25X1
DCI and NIO informed.
1300 Operations Center receives JCS message stating that
Mayaguez had been towed into international waters
and was proceeding to Singapore.
CIA - 7
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(Security Classification)
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(Security Classification)
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