NSDD 159 Covert Action Policy Approval and Coordination Procedures

JAN-30-2012 14:14 From: To:805 577 4074 P.5/14 TOP OFOREL SEGRET for ensure coordination of covert action with other instruments of US national security policy. Proposed Findings and Memoranda of Notification shall be sent in writing to the President via the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs together with the recommendation of the NSPG including dissents of any member on the recommendations. (166) 3. The NSPG shall periodically review policy for the conduct of covert actions, evaluate covert action programs and operations for adequacy and efficacy and recommend the assign- ment of resources. The NSPG shall review the funding for covert actions to be included in the National Foreign Intelli- gence Program and the programs of other US Government components and report to the President on the adequacy of US covert action programs and capabilities. 4. The NSPG annually shall review all current covert action programs and seek the President's concurrence in the continuation of each program. 5. The Senior Director for Intelligence Programs, National Security Council Staff, shall act as recorder of written minutes at NSPG meetings, prepare papers for and maintain records of NSPG meetings and administer the special access security compartment protecting covert action policies. 197 Planning and Coordination Group (PCG) A senior level Planning and Coordination Group (PCG) is estab- lished to review covert action proposals and implementation for the purpose of ensuring their effectiveness and their integration with other aspects of US national security policy. The PCG replaces all ad hoc interagency groups for this purpose. The PCG shall consist of a representative of the Office of the Vice President, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, the Deputy Director of CIA for Operations, the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and be chaired by the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Representatives of other departments and agencies may be invited to attend on a case-by-case basis. In carrying out its responsibilities, the PCG shall: 1. Ensure that covert action programs are coordinated with related US Government national security actions so that they are mutually supportive. (no) 2. Review each proposed covert action Finding or pro- posed modification to an ongoing covert action to. ensure that such activities support US policies and make recommendations on each proposed covert action to the NSPG, including the dissent, if any, of PCG members. OP COPS 1Bo 8 COPIES