Memorandum for the Record

TOP prant July 5, 1956 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD: The President called me today regarding a special reconnaissance project which I had discussed with him on Tuesday. He asked that I advise Mr. Allen Dulles that if we obtain any information or warning that any of the flights has been discovered or tracked, the operation should be suspended until he (the Presi dent) has an oppor- tunity to consult on the matter with Secretary Dulles and Allen Dulles. to D. A. J. Goodpaster Colonel, CE, US Army 7/6/56 I advised Mr. Allen Dulles and Mr. Bissell of the foregoing on July 5th. At their request I met with them later in the day on the matter. They brought out that, under current procedures, there is normally a delay of not less than thirty-six hours before any reports would be received of discovery, tracking and attempted interception. It might be several days or weeks before reports were obtained of such reaction. We discussed this point, particularly in relation to the President's desire to have operations conducted at maximum rate. I indicated that my understanding of the President's desire would be that operation should go forward at maximum rate until the first evidence of tracking was received, at which time the action indicated above would be taken. Specifically, this would mean continuing with operations, and not standing down for the next few days to see if there were any reaction to the initial flights. I said I would discuss this point with the President when I next talked to him. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.6(b) to AJG MR 94-349- #7 BY BBM DATE 8/24/98