FOREIGN RELATIONS, 19 5 0, VOLUME I


Policy Planning Staff Files
         Memorandum Prepared by the Policy Planning Staff

 TOP SECRET                          [WASHINGTON,] December 9, 1950.

 SUGGESTED OUTLINE FOR DISCUSSION AT THE NSC MEETING, MONDAY,
                    DECEMBER 11, 1950, 3: 30 r. im.1
   1. In an introductory statement the President might say:
   a. The military situation resulting from the Chinese intervention
in Korea is now considerably clarified.
   b. The Attlee talks have given a clearer view of the U.K. position.
   c. The President's purpose in calling this special meeting of the
NSC is:
        (1) to obtain as close agreement as possible on the basic facts
     of the crisis now facing the United States;
       (2) to enable the President to make those decisions necessary
     immediately and to prepare for the prompt handling of other
     questions requiring decision.
The President might then call on the Secretary of State for a brief
statement of points arising from the Attlee discussions that appear to
him to be of greatest significance.
  2. Secretary Acheson might then follow with a brief summary
  a. Emphasizing the wide area of agreement-
       (1) a firm stand in Korea as long as possible and withdrawal
     only under duress;
       (2) no appeasement of the Chinese communists;
       (3) no conditions outside of Korea to be attached to any "cease
     fire" agreement;
       (4) continued willingness to talk with and negotiate with the
     communists;
       (5) the necessity of maintaining a vigorous stance in both the
     Atlantic and the Pacific areas;

  At the 74th Meeting of the National Security Council, December 11, the
following subjects received consideration: the United States position regarding
a cease-fire in Korea; the results of the President's recent conversations
with
British Prime Minister Attlee; and the proclamation of a national emergency.
Documentation on the first two subjects is presented in volume vii. For additional
documentation on the Truman-Attlee talks, see vol. Il, pp. 1698 ff. With
regard
to the procllamation of a national emergency, the Council took the following
action
(NSC Action No. 392):
  "[The Council]
  "a. Discussed the situation the U.S. now faces and certain steps which
now
appear to be necessary, including the possible declaration of a national
emer-
gency and probable Soviet reaction thereto.
  "b. Agreed to advise the President that the declaration of a national
emergency
appears necessary in order to enable the U.S. to take the steps required
in the
interests of national security.
  Note: The action in b above subsequently submitted to the President for
consideration." (S/S-NSC Files: Lot 66D95: NSC Actions)


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