RESUME OF OCB LUNCHEON MEETING, 16 SEPTEMBER 1959

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02159145
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: October 23, 2023
• Document Release Date: August 28, 2023
• Case Number: F-2022-01319
• Publication Date: September 16, 1959

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MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Resume of OCB Luncheon Meeting, 16 September 1959
PRESENT: Mr. Dulles, Mr. Gray, Mr. Harr, Mr. Irwin,
Mr. Murphy, Mr. Saccio, Mr. Washburn, Mr. Smith
Mr. Murphy assumed the Chair, his official appointment as
OCB Chairman having been received from the White House.
1. Possible Rice Drop for Sam Neua
Mr. Dulles told the Board of the report from Joseph Alsop to
the effect that troops and others in the vicinity of Sam Neua are very
low on food. He pointed out that it might be possible through CIA-
controlled channels to arrange for air-dropping of rice.
Mr. Murphy responded that State had had no reports indicating
a need for food, but that the Department would look into the matter.
None of the other members had had any reports confirming Alsop's
statement. It was agreed that no official U. S. action should be
initiated until the need could be verified.
2. French Attitude Regarding Laos Situation
Mr. Murphy reported on a conversation with the French Ambassador
which had made it apparent that the French are not happy about the
U. S. role in Laos, particularly with regard to training activities.
A discussion ensued as to what the actual limitations are; for example,
it seems that training in the use of weapons is permitted, while
training in tactics may not be. In any case, the Board concluded
that American representatives should take a liberal view of their
responsibilities and prerogatives.
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3. Khrushchev Visit
The discussion then turned to the reporting in Soviet media of
the reception given to Khrushchev and his party by the American
people. It was particularly noted that the Soviet press and radio
had claimed a warmth and spontaneous approbation that, in fact,
had not existed. It was agreed that it would be useful if the U. S.
press could make the most of this discrepancy and place the
reception in proper perspective. The DCI commented that this
presentation to the Soviet people was understandable in view of the
fact that from Khrushchev's point of view the visit to the U. S.
must appear to be a smashing success.
It was pointed out that Ambassador Menshikov seems to have
been trying to keep Khrushchev from doing a number of things
that we--and perhaps he�might want him to do. An example was
the fact that the helicopter trip over Washington on. Tuesday after-
noon was proposed by President Eisenhower directly to Khrushchev
and spontaneously accepted by him. It was felt that Menshikov
would never approved of this.
Mr. Murphy then went into some detail on the talk between the
President and Mr. Khrushchev which had resulted in the working
out of broad terms of reference for the Camp David discussions.
He said among other things that the visitor had made a point of his
professed desire to temper the Cold War, and that he had refused
to accept the statement of the President and others that the U. S.
Government is not in a position to control the American press.
4. Medical Supplies for Poland
Mr. Harr then mentioned a proposed project of the Richardson cipdidn+
Feexturlatiada to provide medical supplies for Poland. He said that
thefoundation would like to have a letter from an appropriate U. S.
authority similar to one that had been written by Mr. Cutler a year
o ago. It--were-�1.&eioileel that in view of the Vice-President's
recent trip to Poland, it would be appropriate for him to sign such
a letter. A draft will be checked with the appropriate State Department
desk.
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Mr. Washburn reported on George Allen's talk with Georgi
Zhukov, Chairman of the State Committee for Cultural Relations,
stating that the latter had indicated strong hostility toward Radio
Free Europe and Radio Liberty. He had also castigated the U. S.
for sponsoring Radio Baikal and Radio Caucasus, which he described
as being located on Okinawa and on a ship near Rhodes, respectively.
In addition, he had mentioned "a Free Russia station at Frankfurt."
Mr. Washburn distributed an excerpt from a memorandum
covering the Allen-Zhukov conversation. He also noted that USIA
had, as of that moment, no confirmation of a report that Soviet
jamming of VOA has begun again.
6. Great White Fleet
At Mr. Harr's initiative, the Board then examined the status of
the Great White Fleet proposal. The State representative indicated
that the Department was lukewarm on this project, while the ICA
member, basing his position primarily on unhappy experiences with
Project HOPE, took a similar view. It seemed to be generally
agreed that the responsibility for the Great White Fleet rests with
Defense. Mr. Irwin disavowed any specific knowledge but agreed to
look into the matter.
7. Indonesian Merchant Marine
Mr. Irwin then referred to reports that the merchant marine of
Indonesia has been subjected to a considerable amount of Communist
control and asked whether the U. S. should not take steps to meet
whatever needs the merchant marine might have. He did not have
the reports on which this comment was based but agreed to try to
procure them.
8. Chemical Warfare
Mr. Murphy informed the Board that Dr. York had expressed
a desire to brief the members on the latest military developments in
the field of chemical warfare, particularly gases. Mr. Irwin said
that Secretary McElroy wishes to defer such a discussion until the
JCS has considered the matter thoroughly.
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9. Recruitment and Financing of American Professors for
the UAR.
Mr. Murphy broached the above subject, referring to the
internal State Department report from Robert Thayer which had
been circulated to the Board members. The DCI and others
expressed the opinion that it would be in the best interests of the
U. S. to assure that an adequate number of qualified American
professors were provided to replace Soviet professors who have
been teaching in UAR universities.
Mr. Irwin suggested that there are a number of retired service
personnel who are currently teaching in American institutions and
who might be qualified and available for the UAR assignment. He
agreed to have this possibility explored within Defense. Mr. Wash-
burn indicated that USIA might be able to assist on financing.
ALI,Fa\T W. D LES
Dir tor
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