NATIONAL SECURITY ACTION MEMORANDUM NO. 160

TO:	The Secretary of State The Secretary of Defense The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission The Director, Bureau of the Budget
SUBJECT:	Permissive Links for Nuclear Weapons in NATO

         1. After an examination of the problem of installing permissive links in nuclear weapons dispersed in NATO commands, I have decided we should now make the commitment to produce appropriate devices for all nuclear weapons, now dispersed and to be dispersed in NATO commands, for both non-U.S. and U.S. forces. (See attached memorandum to me from Dr. Wiesner dated May 29. This decision corresponds to Alternative 5 of that memorandum.)

         2. This will require a supplementary appropriation for the Atomic Energy Commission budget. The Secretary of Defense, the Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, and the Director, Bureau of the Budget will work out the details of the budget presentation.

          3. At the earliest feasible time, the Secretary of Defense will submit for my approval a schedule for installation of these devices in NATO weapons. In making his schedule, the Secretary should consult with the Secretary of State on the political problems arising from the existence of weapons assigned to U.S. forces and weapons assigned to our Allies.

          4. The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will carry on a research program on an urgent basis directed toward an examination of the feasibility and desirability of more advanced permissive link devices with a wider range of capabilities.

(signed by President Kennedy)

cc:	Dr. Wiesner General Taylor Mrs. Lincoln Mr. Bundy (3) Mr. C.E. Johnson Mr. Kaysen (2) White House Files NEC Files

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