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"The United States should not, at this time, establish a
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dine of ‘back bases' across the waist of Africa; but
should, in accordance with NSC 5719/1, keep the area un-
der periodic survey to determine any changes in our stra-
tegic requirements.”
General Cutler then noted that the Joint Chiefs of Staff had proposed the addition at the end of the above recommendation of the
following language:
"and develop political accommodation that would
promote assurance of early success if base rights are needed in the
future."
After a brief discussion, Secretary Herter said that he
could perceive no objection to the added language, but that he would
like to know what particular African countries were involved in a
possible new base chain, so that the State Department conld commence
to prepare the ground.
General Cutler then referred to the fifth issue, on "Alternative Bases in the Far East", reading the Planning Board recommendation as follows:
"Because of weaknesses in our present Far East defense pe-
rimeter and the increased threat inherent in Soviet missile
achievements, the Department of Defense should continue to
study the desirability and feasibility of alternatives to
our present bases in the area as a means of increasing dis-
persal and establishing bases in the most politically reli-
able areas."
This recommendation was adopted without discussion.
The sixth issue, General Cutler pointed out, dealt with the
creation of a postwar stockpile in Australia, and he read the Planning
Board recommendation as follows:
.
“The United States should not /now/* transfer to Australia
@ portion of our 'moth-balled' merchant fleet or establish
stockpiles of surplus grain and other provisions there.
However, studies under NSC 5802/1, paragraphs 3 and 23,
should be made on placing a portion of our 'moth-balled'
merchant fleet and stockpiling surplus grain and other pro-
visions in areas outside the continental United States.
"* State-Defense-JCS-ODM proposal."
He explained why the State, Defense, JCS and ODM members of the Plan-
ning Board wanted to include the bracketed word "now" in the first
ee ee
line because of their feeling that at some future time this proposal
might have real merit. On the other hand, said General Cutler, the
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POP SECRET
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